Suicidal Ideation or Behavior

Table of Contents

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts, fantasies, contemplations or the behavior in an attempt of ending one's own life. It can exist on a spectrum of intensity, ranging from fleeting or general thoughts about not wanting to live (passive suicidal ideation) to detailed plans and strong intentions to commit suicide (active suicidal ideation). Suicidal ideation or behavior is a medical emergency. 

Actions

  1. Engage in conversation with school administrators in the development of a process to identify and intervene quickly when a student is in crisis (This may include a “Crisis Intervention Team”).  This includes the development of protocols for suicidal ideation and behavior crisis and development of a Suicide Risk Assessment (if within licensed practice).
  2. Assist with and participate in staff awareness training.
  3. Development of protocols for suicidal ideation and behavior crisis.
  4. When school staff become aware of a learner exhibiting suicidal ideation or behavior they should immediately escort the learner to an identified member.
  5. A member of the identified team conducts a Suicide Risk Assessment (if applicable).
  6. A member of the identified team should remain with the student until the parent/guardian is in attendance, including if the student requires transportation to the hospital, the school crisis team member needs to accompany the student during transportation and until a parent/guardian is in attendance.
  7. Call 911 at any time in the process that emergency services are needed.
  8. Referral the learner to community-based services or mental health professionals for follow up care if 911 is not called.
  9. At a time after the crisis, engage the learner and parents in the development of a safety plan (if one is not developed).
  10. Document the date and time, any delegated or certified interventions provided, observations, student response to intervention (if applicable), and your signature and credentials (if applicable).
  11. The student may already have an emergency action plan, follow the EAP.
  12. Follow any additional school or program procedure(s).
  13. Debrief with the school nurse.

Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:  Your Life Iowa has resources available to schools. A Mobile Crisis Unit requires permission from the parent to deploy. 

Schools may expedite this process by building this permission into the registration process.