Describe the procedures for responding to medical emergencies and mental health crises in the mental healthcare setting.

Description should include

• identifying safety protocol and treatment plans
• differentiating among medical emergencies (e.g., seizures, heart attacks), mental health crises, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Links to an external site. (i.e., suicide ideation, hostile/aggressive behavior, 988)
• activating the Emergency Medical System (EMS) Links to an external site.
• surveying the scene for safety and/or hazards
• surveying the patient to determine the need for care
• performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Links to an external site., as needed.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What emergency situations might occur within a mental healthcare facility?
• What do the acronyms R-A-C-E (Rescue - Alarm - Confine - Evacuate/Extinguish) and P-A-S-S (Pull - Aim - Squeeze - Sweep) have to do with fire safety?
• What life-threatening conditions would warrant calling 9-1-1 and 9-8-8?