9 Emergency Safety Protocol

The Emergency Safety Protocol should be activated if one of the following occurs:

• Suicidal Behavior:
  • Client is expressing active suicidal thoughts or intent
  • Client is engaging in self-injurous behavior or attempting suicide
• Homicidal Behavior:
  • Client is making threats of violence or harm toward others
  • Client is exhibiting aggressive or violent behavior putting others at risk
• Psychotic Episode:
  • Client is experiencing severe delusions or hallucinations
  • Client is displaying disorganized thinking or behavior that is significantly impacting their ability to function
• Substance Overdose:
  • Client is exhibiting signs of a potential overdose, including unconsciousness, respiratory distress, etc.
• Acute Panic Attack or Anxiety Crisis:
  • Client is experiencing a severe panic attack or anxiety episode that is non-responsive to interventions and is causing significant distress or impairment

In the event of a mental health crisis or emergency, the following Emergency Safety Protocol should be followed:

1. The occupational therapy student(s) will immediately inform the occupational therapy preceptor. All parties involved will remain calm.
2. Aggressive versus non-aggressive behavior:
   1. Aggressive: If the client is demonstrating violent, aggressive, or self-injurous behavior, do not attempt to restrain them. Clear the area and immediately call 911.
   2. Non-aggressive: If the client is experiencing a non-violent mental health crisis (e.g., severe anxiety, panic attack, suicidal ideation), the occupational therapy preceptor should stay with the client and provide reassurance while the occupational therapy student(s) contact the Adult Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) at Clarkson Tower.

Adult Psychiatric Emergency Services: Clarkson Tower

4350 Dewey Avenue Omaha, NE 68105

800-922-0000

1. 1. Provide the following information to the PES:
      1. Client’s name and age
      2. Nature of the mental health crisis or emergency
      3. Any known medical conditions or medications
      4. Current location
   2. Follow the directions provided by the PES personnel. They may advise you to keep the client at your current location until a mobile crisis team arrives, or they may instruct you to transport the client to the Clarkson Tower.
   3. The occupational therapy preceptor will remain with the client until they are safely transported to the care of the PES personnel.
   4. The occupational therapy preceptor will alert the UNMC OT program and faculty of the event.
   5. The occupational therapy preceptor should document the incident in detail, including the client’s condition, actions taken, and the names of the staff members involved. The UNMC OT program and faculty will assist the occupational therapy preceptor in the documentation process.
   6. All parties will debrief about the incident together and seek support or counseling if needed.

Remember, the safety and well-being of clients, students, preceptors, and faculty are of the utmost importance. Do not hesitate to call 911 in case of an immediate threat or emergency.