Please read the information below if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES - 911
when to call 911
911 should be called any time a person with a mental health condition creates a danger to themselves or others. If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.
Identify Yourself
You should also identify yourself and your relationship to the person suffering the mental health emergency to the dispatcher, and to the first responders.
This includes whether you are the person's family member, friend, primary care giver, or just an occasional visitor.
Remain Calm & Follow Directions
To make sure your 911 call is effective, be sure to remain calm, follow any instructions given by the dispatcher, and be patient.
If possible, call 911 out of earshot of the person with the mental condition.
Safe Alternatives to 911
Only if it is safe to do so, a person suffering a mental health emergency may also be transported to an emergency room of a hospital that offers mental health crisis treatment. If the person in crisis is currently receiving treatment, the person's care provider should be contacted for emergency assistance with crisis intervention.
Communicate About Mental Health Issues
You should explain any mental health issues involved to dispatchers, but should also repeat these to any emergency personnel who respond to the call. Dispatchers may only communicate an abbreviated summary of facts to first responders.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, providing prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and advancing best practices for professionals.
In addition to their phone hotline, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers Lifeline Chat, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S.