A suicide hotline receives a 2:00am call from someone depressed and contemplating suicide. The appropriate action is to:

• A. Send a crisis worker immediately or convince him to go to the hospital emergency room.
• B. Schedule a daytime call.
• C. Advise him to call a friend.
• D. End the call and document.

Answer: (A)

Immediate safety is the priority in crisis intervention. When a caller at 2:00am is depressed and contemplating suicide, the responder must assess how imminent the danger is and mobilize real-time support. Sending a crisis worker to the caller’s location provides direct risk assessment, de-escalation, and, if needed, transport to an emergency department for evaluation and stabilization. This active intervention helps ensure the person isn’t left alone and increases the chance they receive prompt professional care.

Delaying action by scheduling a daytime call or suggesting the caller rely on a friend does not address the immediate danger and depends on factors (availability, the friend’s ability to intervene) that may fail in a crisis. Ending the call and simply documenting also leaves a serious risk unaddressed.

In such situations, crisis responders follow protocols to involve appropriate emergency services or a crisis team to ensure immediate protection and care. This approach aligns with the ethical obligation to protect life and connect the person with the highest level of care available at that moment.