Citation

Lynch TG, Fuller R. Top. Emerg. Med. 1994; 16(3): 44-52.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The emergency department (ED) management of suicidal patients often requires the staff to enter into complex negotiations to gain the patient's cooperation or even save his or her life on rare occasions. ED personnel must adapt to a changing role under dynamic conditions. The critical role played by the ED requires a significant amount of preparation through policy development and training. Suicidal patients may lash out at the ED staff with extremely violent actions that require the staff to know proper safety techniques, as well as their own limitations. Staff must be trained to recognize the potential for violence and be given the tools to manage the suicidal patient effectively to prevent an escalation of the encounter. ED personnel should also receive training on how to survive a hostage situation and the actions they can take to increase their chances of survival. The ED encounter with the suicidal patient also requires excellent assessment and negotiation skills in addition to the clinical skills normally used with routine patients. Personnel must also have a clear understanding of the institution's use of force policy to detain suicidal patients while limiting the potential for staff injury and liability. With proper planning and training, ED personnel can effectively and safely manage suicidal patients. © 1994 Aspen Publishers, Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

Homicide; Suicide; Emergency department; Negotiations