Managing Emergencies
Crises and emergency situations are often overwhelming. As a family member or friend, it's important for you to know how to manage these situations.
Sometimes, a crisis or emergency situation cannot be avoided. But by planning ahead, you'll be better prepared to take action if a situation arises. Practice the tools in this and choose the most effective ones when you need them.
Making a Plan
Making a plan when things are calm will help you be more confident the next time problems arise. It's usually a good idea to involve others in the planning process, including the person who is receiving treatment. Consider the following questions and print them out to discuss with the doctor, case manager, or other healthcare professional involved in his or her treatment.
- What kinds of attitude changes should you be looking for?
- Based on your experience, what early-warning symptoms do you need to respond to quickly?
- What crisis intervention tools will you use?
- What crisis intervention tools won't you use?
- When will you ask for help with crisis intervention?
- Who will you ask for help with crisis intervention?
- Based on your experience, what kind of emergency might occur if the crisis intervention plan doesn't work?
- What emergency intervention tools will you use?
- What emergency intervention tools won't you use, because they probably won't be useful?
- When will you get help with the emergency?
- Who will you ask for help with the emergency?
- How will you know when it's time to get closure?
- What closure tools will you use?
- What closure tools won't you use, because they probably won't be helpful?
