05 Crisis Care and Safety Free Online FlashCards

What defines a behavioral health crisis?

A behavioral health crisis occurs when distress, behavior, or immediate circumstances overwhelm a person’s usual ability to cope.

What are the priorities in a behavioral health crisis?

Protect life, reduce immediate danger, listen without judgment, and connect the person with appropriate care.

Why assess possible medical causes of unusual behavior?

New confusion, injury, intoxication, or illness may require urgent medical assessment; unusual behavior should not automatically be assumed to be purely psychiatric.

When should emergency services be contacted?

Contact emergency services if danger is imminent or urgent medical care is needed, following local procedures.

How should immediate safety questions address possible harm?

Ask directly and compassionately about thoughts of suicide or harming someone else when indicated.

What are the five steps of SAFE-T?

SAFE-T: identify risk factors; identify protective factors; ask about suicidal thoughts, plans, behavior, and intent; determine risk and intervention using clinical judgment; document the assessment and plan.

Do protective factors automatically cancel acute suicide risk?

Protective factors matter, but they do not automatically cancel acute risk.

How can communication and the setting support de-escalation?

Use a low voice, brief words, and time for the person to respond; have one person speak while others reduce noise and move bystanders away.

What physical-space practices can reduce escalation?

Respect personal space and keep a clear path to the exit; avoid crowding, sudden movements, arguing, threats, or touching without permission.

How can you validate feelings without endorsing unsafe actions?

Acknowledge the person’s feelings while setting limits on unsafe behavior; do not endorse unsafe actions.

When may restraint or seclusion be used?

Restraint or seclusion is not a substitute for listening or assessment. Use it only when permitted by law and policy, by trained staff, and when necessary to address immediate danger.

What should be assessed after someone self-harms?

Assess injuries and arrange medical care as needed. Ask whether the self-harm was intended to cause death; do not assume either way.