Emergency Departments

Emergency Departments

Emergency Departments (ED) are a key contact point for persons who are contemplating or have attempted suicide, and thus, provide a potentially life-saving opportunity to intervene with these persons whether they present for medical emergencies or behavioral health crises. Medical professionals are in a position to identify those at risk for suicide through screening processes and help  connect them to resources and safety when risk is identified.

Many persons seen in an emergency department do not follow through with accessing the behavioral health referrals they are given. Numbers have shown that about 1 in 10 suicides are completed by people seen in an ED within 2 months of their death. This information has led to a national effort focused on providing follow-up services to persons seen in the Emergency Department with suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt.

Below are some resources for Emergency Department Personnel: