Debrief - Mental health - Potential suicide
Want to watch this video? Sign up for the course
or enter your email below to watch one free video.
Unlock This Video Now for FREE
This video is normally available to paying customers.
You may unlock this video for FREE. Enter your email address for instant access AND to receive ongoing updates and special discounts related to this topic.
Mental Health Triage and Patient Safety
Introduction
This scenario involves a mental health triage assessment.
Patient Assessment
The patient had no prior history of mental health issues but expressed suicidal thoughts, which is a critical concern.
Key Questions:
- Did the patient initially feel like harming themselves when taking an overdose?
- Do they still feel this way?
These questions are challenging yet essential in assessing mental health crises.
Handling Mental Health Patients
Patients with mental health challenges require specific handling:
- They may need to be escorted to ensure their safety.
- Details like clothing, physical description, and other identifiers are noted in case of absconding.
- Treat all patients, including those with mental health issues, with respect and dignity.
It's crucial to triage mental health patients equally and ensure they receive appropriate care.