Suicide Attempt
Immediate Action: RA calls UCPD/CPD immediately. Then, the RA contacts the Pro-Staff On-Call.
Secondary Action: Pro-Staff On-Call responds to the scene. RA waits for UCPD to arrive and provides police with any known information.
Third Action: When responding to an attempted suicide, the Pro-Staff On-Call notifies Dr. Smith. If the incident results in a medical transport, enact the medical transport protocol.
Fourth Action: Once the student has been transported, Pro-Staff On-Call will follow up with other students (i.e. roommate(s), neighbors, witnesses). Gather any additional information and provide information about Counseling Services.
Reporting Action: Pro-Staff On-Call documents the situation with an Incident Report and writes CARE Reports. RA will also write an Incident Report.
Additional Information
● The Pro-Staff of the hall will follow-up with the student that attempted suicide when they return to the community. Make sure the student has a plan to go to Counseling Services and inform them that they will hear from Dr. Smith and Dr. Grant.
● It is UCPD’s role to establish what was used in the attempt. Do not put yourself in harm’s way.
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide ideation is when a person has thoughts of suicide with deliberate consideration of planning. Ideation ranges on a scale from having thoughts to detailed planning. Most people who have suicidal thoughts do not complete suicide. However, this does not make the situation any less serious. Suicide ideation is a strong risk factor for suicide.
Immediate Action: If you become aware of a student experiencing suicidal ideation, the following is the appropriate procedure:
● Talk to the student. Attempt to determine the seriousness of the situation by asking specific questions;
○ “Do you plan to kill yourself?”
○ “Do you have a plan?”
○ “Have you attempted to kill yourself?”
● Explain to the student that you will be calling the Pro-Staff On-Call to ensure that the student will be safe. If the student is in immediate danger, contact UCPD/CPD prior to calling Pro-Staff On-Call.
Secondary Action: Explain to the Pro-Staff On-Call what is going on, provide all the information you’ve received and follow their directions.
● Tell the student that Pro-Staff On-Call will be arriving to talk with them.
● If the student resists this, reassure them that the Pro-Staff will be able to provide the student with more support.
● Once the Pro-Staff On-Call has arrived, be prepared to provide them with information regarding events and/or conversations leading up to their arrival.
● Allow the Pro-Staff On-Call to take charge of the situation.
Third Action: When the Pro-Staff On-Call arrives, they will do the following:
● Talk to the student. Attempt to determine the seriousness of the situation by asking specific questions;
○ “Do you want to kill yourself?”
○ “Do you have a plan?”
○ “Have you attempted to kill yourself?”
● Tell the student that you will need to get Counseling Services involved.
○ If Counseling Services is open, ask the student if they would like to walk there together, if the student agrees, call ahead and let them know that you are on your way with a student. o If Counseling Services is closed, call the 24/7 Counselor On-Call at 216-368-5872. This number can also be provided directly to the student.
○ When your call is answered, share all the information you’ve received and follow their directions.
○ If the student refuses to speak with Counseling Services and/or the consultation line, you may need to involve UCPD/CPD. Explain to the student that you will be calling UCPD/CPD to ensure that the student will be safe. Call UCPD/CPD. Explain to the dispatcher what is going on and provide all the information you’ve received and follow their directions.
Fourth Action: If the incident results in a medical transport, enact the medical transport protocol.
Reporting Action: RA On-Call and Pro-Staff On-Call will document the situation with an Incident Report. Pro-Staff will also submit a CARE Report.