SUICIDE
Hinting, writing, or talking about suicide is a call for help and
must be taken seriously. When confronted with a situation in which
life-threatening behavior is present, immediate mobilization of all
appropriate resources is paramount. Under such conditions, commitment to
student confidentiality is superseded by the need to initiate lifesaving
intervention(s).
The following classifications offer three (3) levels of suicide risk with
students:
1) Suicidal Threat or Ideation
(Located in
Emergency Management Resource Guide)
2) Suicide Attempt at School
3) Suicide Completed
(Located in
Emergency Management Resource Guide)
Suicide Attempt at School
In the event of an actual suicide attempt:
Staff Actions:
- Notify principal
- Ensure the short-term physical safety of the student
Principal / Designee, Counselor:
- Call 911, District Support Team, central office
- School nurse, counselor or other staff administer first aid until emergency responders arrive, if necessary
- The student will be kept in the constant presence of an adult until emergency responders arrive (child shall not be left alone at any time)
- The principal, (or other designated professional) will communicate with the appropriate school personnel, parents/guardians and counselors
- Document all actions taken on behalf of the student (i.e., referrals, phone contacts, follow-up activities, etc.)