Suicide (Week 2) Flashcards
What is suicide
Intentionally taking one’s life
What is crisis
Crucial situation or a turning point
What are some of the characteristics that make correctional environment conducive to suicidal behavior
- Authoritarian environment,
- no control over the future,
- isolation from family,
- reaction to certain offenses,
- shame for incarceration
What are some of the pre-disposing factors of suicidal behavior
- Loss of stabilizing resources
- severe guilt over his offense
- sexual assault
- mental illness
Are suicides more likely to happen during holiday seasons
No
Should you ask if An inmate is going to commit suicide
Yes
What communication skills should be used to prevent suicide
- To listen
- observe
- gather information
How often do you have to check in on an inmate under close observation
At least every 15 minutes
What does an employee have to do when they become aware that an inmate may have a mental health problem presenting a crisis level
•Contact the on-site nursing staff, on-call medical staff, or the on-call QMHP and request an assessment.
•notify supervisor

What 4 things does an employee do when an inmate is found with signs of life while trying to commit suicide
- call for help
- when it is safe initiate first aid/CPR
- transport to medical area
- If no medical staff is on duty and not life-threatening contact covering institution
What does an employee do if he finds an inmate with no signs of life after suicide
- inform security supervisor
- body will not be moved/secure area
- if hanging cut down
- no video/no use of force
What does an employer you do when an inmate is found hanging
• assess – is the scene safe
• alert – call control room and request for first responders
• Attend – if safe assist with first aid ,if hanging relief pressure
Who must be notified when an inmate is found dead
- Emergency action center(EAC) 
- medical
- warden or duty warden
- Police services
