The following procedures should be followed in the event a person is threatening to commit suicide:
- Talk openly and calmly with a person who is threatening to commit suicide.
- Ask direct questions about their intent.
- Have you thought about how you would do it?
- Do you have what you need to carry out your plan?
- Do you know when you will do it?
- Listen to what is said and treat it seriously.
- Do not add to the person’s guilt by debating, arguing or lecturing about whether or not suicide is right or wrong.
- NEVER leave a person who is suicidal alone. Encourage the person to go with you and speak with a counselor.
- Contact the counseling center as quickly as possible at 601.925.3841
- If the person has already started a suicide attempt, call 911 for help immediately. If they are still conscious, seek information from them to determine:
- What substances did they ingest
- How long ago did they ingest them
- How much did they take
- Did they consume alcohol
- When did they last eat
- What is their overall general state of health.
- If 911 is called, be sure to provide the following information:
- State your name.
- State the problem.
- State the name and location of injured individual.
- Do not hang up the phone until the operator tells you to do so.
- Call the Office of Public Safety at 601.925.3204 and provide the appropriate information:
- Return to the victim and keep him/her as calm and comfortable as possible.
- If needed, administer First Aid and CPR if you are qualified.
- Remain with the victim until Public Safety or Emergency Crews arrive.
