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Procedure for Responding to Suicidal OSU-Mansfield or NC State Students

A hint or a direct statement a student makes about the desire to commit suicide is a plea for help and should be taken very seriously.  Also, remember that due to illness, a student may not be able to control suicidal thoughts and urges.  If a student makes a serious threat of suicide, confidentiality takes a backseat to ensuring the student’s safety.  You may tell (and will be encouraged to tell) police or health care personnel what is occurring.

1)            Remain calm.  The student will mirror your mood. The more agitated a student becomes, the calmer you should appear.  The more agitated you appear, the more agitated the student will become.

2)            Don’t try to argue with the person or give your opinions of whether suicide is right or wrong.  This will only serve to agitate him or her.  Express your care and concern to the person.  Offer him or her hope that help is available. 

3)            If the student says that he or she has a plan in place to take his or her own life or discusses means to kill him or herself (i.e. firearms, drugs, etc.) stop here.  The student needs to be transported by the police to MedCentral ER for a psychiatric consultation.

A.     Escort the student to a quiet, private place where you can keep an eye on him or her.

B.      Stay with the person if possible or find someone who can.

C.      Call 911 immediately.

D.      After you call 911, try to remain calm and call Campus Security and let them know what is going on.

E.      Tell Campus Security that you just called 911.

F.      Stay with the person until help arrives or find someone who can stay until help arrives.

G.      The police will transport the student to the MedCentral ER where a psychiatric consultation will be conducted.

4)            If the student discusses thoughts of suicide, but does not have plans in place to kill him or herself:

A.     Escort the student to a quiet, private place where you can keep an eye on him or her.

B.      Stay with the person, if possible, or find someone who can, and remain calm.

C.      Call Blake Wagner or Michelle McLane (OSU) or Sandra Luckie (North Central State) for help.  Call Michelle at (419) 755-4304, Sandra at 419-755-4727 or call Blake at (419) 571-1678.  Michelle, Sandra  or Blake will offer to see and talk to the person.  They will seek help for the student.

D.      If none of the above individuals can be reached, call Crisis Help Line at (419) 522-HELP (4357).

5)            If the person leaves call Campus Security and report what has just happened.  They may be able to help locate the student and/or provide assistance in responding to the situation.

6)            Very important:  Document the incident in writing and immediately send a copy of your documentation to either Donna Hight,  Chief Student Affairs Officer at OSU Mansfield , or Peg Moir, VP Learning Support and Retention at North Central State College, so that the appropriate follow up can be done.  Be sure to include who, what, when, where and why and as many details as possible.