Revised guidelines informing care in emergency departments for suicide-related crisis

Black Dog Institute have revised guidelines for emergency departments responding to suicide-related crisis. The guidelines, Recommendations for integrated suicide-related crisis and follow-up care in emergency departments and other acute settings were released 10 July 2024 and have been developed based on the experiences of those with lived experience of suicide and clinicians.

Emergency departments can be an initial point of contact to people experiencing distress and suicide related crisis. It is important that the care received is, trauma-informed, person-centred and meets the needs of individuals.

For clinicians within emergency settings, identifying suicide risk can be challenging, and there is often limited support to guide treatment and safety planning on discharge.

The guidelines suggest that care within emergency settings for suicide-related crisis includes:

• High-quality psychosocial assessments that are undertaken with a warm and empathic approach.
• Acknowledgement of the person’s distress and experience; and
• Compassionate, respectful and non-stigmatising interactions between patients and clinicians.

The guidelines include:

• Information about staffing in emergency settings to respond to suicidal crisis (including roles and responsibilities).
• Guidance for emergency department administrative and managerial roles and actions.
• Suggests the type of resources useful for patients, carers, families and clinicians.
• Information on the roles of clinicians and suicide response teams.
• Details pathways for referrals and follow up care that includes support of both clinical care, family, friends and peer support.

Download the guidelines here.