Patient Emergencies

THREATS OF SUICIDE

It is extremely important that threats of suicide be taken seriously.

This is especially true if the threats have been voiced repeatedly or the person is inebriated or under the influence of drugs. It is a dangerous myth to believe that suicidal threats are harmless attempts to get attention.

For immediate help, go to National Suicide Prevention Hotline www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For further information, go to the link About Suicide at the following website: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org.

WHAT TO DO IF A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE IS IN A SEVERE EMOTIONAL CRISIS:

If someone is in the midst of a severe emotional crisis, characterized by suicidal or homicidal intent or exhibiting bizarre behavior, it is unlikely that he/she will initiate going to the emergency room.

In this situation, it is often necessary to call emergency services at 911.

SUSPECTED ABUSE: CHILD ABUSE

Child abuse is a serious issue that requires our attention and action. Unfortunately, children who are being abused are often too scared to speak up. Here are some signs that may indicate abuse:

• Disclosure: the child or a family member tells you about the abuse

• Physical signs, such as bruises or other injuries

• Behavioral signs, like sudden aggression or withdrawal

• Developmental signs, such as a child not progressing as expected

• Domestic violence in the home

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, it's important to report it to Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-800-5556. You can also find more information and resources on their website at www.pcain.org/reporting_abuse.asp. Remember, it's everyone's responsibility to help keep children safe.

SUSPECTED ABUSE: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence refers to a repeated pattern of behavior in an intimate relationship that is aimed at gaining or maintaining power and control over the partner. It can take different forms such as physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological abuse, including actions or threats that manipulate, hurt, intimidate, blame, humiliate, terrorize, injure, or wound the victim.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 for immediate help. Additional resources and information can also be found on their website at www.ndvh.org.

If you need immediate shelter, please contact Sheltering Wings at 317-745-1496 or visit their website at www.shelteringwings.org.

In most communities, when an emergency is reported, emergency services will dispatch both the police and an EMT ambulance to the location. Upon arrival, both the police and EMT workers will assess the situation and determine if hospitalization is necessary. If the situation is deemed serious, the patient will be taken to the hospital emergency room for further evaluation. From there, arrangements may be made for the patient to receive care at a local psychiatric facility or hospital inpatient unit.