Crisis Youth MHFA Revisit the Youth MHFA action plan in full. Be aware of your own attitudes and beliefs about suicide and the impact they may have on your ability to provide help. If you feel unable to ask the young person about suicide thoughts, find someone else who can. When a young person has already harmed themselves Administer first aid and call emergency services, asking for an ambulance. If a young person has taken an overdose, been poisoned by carbon monoxide, or been suffocated then they may become unconscious. If the young person is unconscious: 1. Make sure that the young person’s airway is clear and roll them onto their side and into the recovery position. Clear any vomit from the mouth with two fingers. Tilt the head back gently and slightly down. 2. Phone 999 for an ambulance. State that the young person is unconscious and why. 3. Try to find out what substances have been used, if any, and tell medical staff. 4. Keep the young person warm, especially if alcohol is involved. If the young person is conscious: Conscious people need monitoring as they may deteriorate into unconsciousness. 1. Phone 999 for an ambulance or take the young person to the nearest A&E department. 2. Don’t give the young person any food or fluids unless advised by a health professional.
Page 291
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker