Responding After Suicide: A Practical Guide to Immediate Postvention

First responders should follow this practical guide to identify and record a suicide, break the bad news, and deal with the impact of suicide in the short, middle, and long term. It offers guidance and tips for best practice, including scripts for difficult situations and sections on complex issues such as religious or cultural customs and unusual cases.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 208 pages
\n Publication date: 21 November 2019
\n Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
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This comprehensive guide provides invaluable insights and practical strategies for first responders who encounter situations involving suicide. Authored by a seasoned first responder and trainer with extensive experience in this field, the guide offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

The first section of the guide focuses on identifying and recording a death as suicide, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation for legal and statistical purposes. The author provides detailed instructions on how to recognize the signs of suicide, conduct a thorough investigation, and properly document the circumstances surrounding the death.

The second section delves into breaking the bad news to the bereaved family and friends. The author emphasizes the need for sensitivity, empathy, and compassion during this challenging time. She offers practical tips on how to deliver the news in a way that minimizes secondary trauma and provides support to the bereaved.

The third section explores the long-term impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities. The author discusses the various emotional and psychological effects of suicide, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse. She provides guidance on how to identify and address these issues and offers resources for further support.

In addition to these core sections, the guide also includes chapters on managing suicide in public arenas such as schools and workplaces. The author provides detailed scripts and strategies for responding to suicide incidents in these settings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and promoting recovery.

Throughout the guide, the author shares real-world examples from her extensive experience working as a first responder, providing practical insights and tips that can be applied in various situations. The scenarios covered include a wide range of scenarios, from suicide attempts to completed suicides, and address both traditional and unusual cases of suicide.

One of the standout features of this guide is its emphasis on postvention techniques. The author discusses the importance of providing immediate support to individuals at risk of suicide and offers strategies for preventing suicide in the long term. She provides resources for further training and education on suicide prevention and postvention, empowering first responders to make a positive impact in their communities.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for first responders who want to improve their skills and knowledge in responding to situations involving suicide. Authored by a seasoned professional with extensive experience in this field, the guide offers a wealth of insights and practical strategies that can help save lives and promote healing. Whether you are a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or healthcare provider, this guide will provide you with the tools you need to effectively respond to suicide incidents and support those in need.

Introduction:
First responders play a critical role in responding to situations involving suicide, as they are often the first point of contact for individuals in crisis. It is essential for first responders to have a comprehensive understanding of suicide and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. This guide aims to provide first responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to suicide situations.

Identifying and Recording a Suicide:
The first step in responding to a suicide is to identify and record the death as a suicide. This involves conducting a thorough investigation and gathering information from all relevant sources. It is important to document the circumstances surrounding the death, including the date, time, location, and method of suicide. Proper documentation is essential for legal and statistical purposes and can also help prevent future suicide attempts.

Breaking the Bad News:
Breaking the bad news to the bereaved family and friends is one of the most challenging aspects of responding to a suicide. It is important to approach this situation with sensitivity, empathy, and compassion. The author provides practical tips on how to break the news in a way that minimizes secondary trauma and provides support to the bereaved.

Long-Term Impact of Suicide:
The long-term impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities is significant. The author discusses the various emotional and psychological effects of suicide, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse. She provides guidance on how to identify and address these issues and offers resources for further support.

Managing Suicide in Public Arenas:
First responders may also encounter situations involving suicide in public arenas, such as schools and workplaces. The author provides detailed scripts and strategies for responding to suicide incidents in these settings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and promoting recovery.

Postvention Techniques:
In addition to responding to suicide incidents, first responders can also play a role in preventing suicide. The author discusses the importance of providing immediate support to individuals at risk of suicide and offers strategies for preventing suicide in the long term.

Conclusion:
First responders who have a comprehensive understanding of suicide and its impact can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals in crisis. This guide provides first responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively respond to suicide situations, break the bad news, manage suicide in public arenas, and prevent suicide in the long term. By implementing these strategies, first responders can help save lives and promote healing in their communities.

\n Weight: 304g\n
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785925610\n \n