What would you do if you received a call from a patron threatening suicide? Maybe, this has never happened to you or anyone at your library, but there are a few very simple things to keep in mind if the situation presents itself.
- If you feel that the caller is in immediate danger of harming him/herself, try to calmly obtain their name and location; then, call 911.
- If the caller does not seem to be an immediate threat to him/herself, suggest that they call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK or 800-SUICIDE.
- Always record the date and time of the call, who took the call, what organizations were contacted, and any information about the caller.
Threats of suicide should always be taken seriously for ethical reasons, as well as to avoid legal liability.