When to Call 911
Know when immediate emergency intervention is needed and what happens next.
Call 911 Immediately If:
- They have a specific plan and means
- They're saying they'll do it soon (tonight, this week)
- Previous attempt + current thoughts
- Using drugs/alcohol + talking about suicide
- Already harmed themselves
- You can't reach them and they said goodbye
What to Tell 911
- Person is having a mental health emergency
- They are a danger to themselves
- Specific behaviors you've observed
- Any weapons or means they have access to
What Happens Next
- Police/EMTs will respond
- Person will be evaluated
- May be transported to hospital
- Psychiatric evaluation at hospital
- May be admitted for stabilization
After Emergency Response
- Follow up to show you care
- Don't disappear
- Support their treatment plan
- Continue checking in
Emergency help is not failure - it's necessary intervention.