Suicidal Behavior: Procedures

Suicidal behavior can vary from a suicidal gesture to a life-threatening attempt. The incident and response begins with the initial awareness that a person may have caused harm, or is talking about causing harm, to him/herself.

In situations where there is imminent danger requiring an immediate response (i.e. the harm that has been self-inflicted would be regarded as serious by a reasonable person):

• Contact DPS at contact us . All information should be shared, including a description of the medical emergency, substances believed to be ingested, whether or not the individual responds to stimuli, weapons in the areas, etc.
• DPS will contact an ambulance, Campus Life/Student Life on-call staff, and take other appropriate steps.

In situations where a suicide gesture or threat was made where imminent danger is unclear, including evidence of recent self-inflicted superficial scratches or cuts, and/or statements of an intention to harm oneself:

• Contact DPS and describe the situation.
• DPS will contact the Campus Life/Clerc Center Student Life on-call staff or the Mental Health Center, if during working hours.