Do Crisis Details Differentiate Suicide-Related 911 Call Outcomes?

Background The outcomes of calling 911 for suicide crises remain largely unexplored. Aims To investigate how characteristics of individuals in a suicidal crisis (e.g., age, gender identity, help-seeking source, means, disclosure of historical suicidality, or self-harm) may differentiate outcomes when contacting 911. Method The authors analyzed 1,073 Washington State Police 911 call logs, coding for characteristics and outcome (unknown, monitoring, intervention, adverse outcome). Descriptive and inferential statistics, including multinomial logistic regressions, were used to explore associations. Results When individuals experiencing a suicidal crisis were referred by bystander or associates' observations, there was a greater likelihood of adverse outcome. Self-referral led to a greater likelihood of intervention. Referral from the suicidal individual contacting a known associate led to a greater likelihood of monitoring. Any disclosure of means led to a greater likelihood of intervention or adverse outcomes. Positive disclosure of historical suicidality or self-harm was more likely to result in monitoring. Limitations The dataset was intended for operational use in acute suicidality triage rather than research purposes. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of supporting first responders with research to enhance their triage of people experiencing suicidal crises.

Effects of sexual orientation and NSSI severity on suicide risk.

INTRODUCTION: People who identify as sexual minorities are at increased risk for suicide. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is also a risk factor for suicide and NSSI severity may contribute to development of capability for lethal self-injury. Further research is needed to understand how NSSI severity increases suicide risk, specifically in high-risk populations like sexual minorities. The current study seeks to examine whether sexual minority adults exhibit greater NSSI severity and suicide risk than heterosexuals, and if NSSI severity moderates the relationship between sexual orientation and suicide risk. METHODS: Undergraduate students (N = 1,994) who reported five or more acts of NSSI in their lifetime completed online self-report questionnaires including sexual orientation, NSSI severity, and suicide risk. RESULTS: A factorial ANOVA demonstrated main effects of sexual orientation and NSSI severity on suicide risk. DISCUSSION: The lack of significant interaction effect indicates NSSI severity does not amplify the effect of on sexual orientation on suicide risk; rather, it predicts the same level of increased risk across orientations. Therefore, suicidality related to both sexual orientation and NSSI severity are equally important treatment targets.