One of the biggest discussions we have with clients is why they need to call 911. The biggest coaching that we give is what to say when calling 911 to give your child the best possible response and outcome.

This post comes with deep experience. In our estimation, we’ve had to call 911 for assistance more than 30 times in a three-year span. The first time is always the hardest. Naturally parents are filled with apprehension, doubt and fear. But when it is necessary,  it should be done.

Make the call when your child/teen is actively self-harming, actively being violent, runs off and has psychiatric diagnoses or you are not safe transporting them to a medical facility for a psychiatric evaluation.

When making the call:

  • Compose yourself. Take a moment to breathe deeply. You want to be able to clearly relay the necessary critical information to the dispatcher.
  • Set the scene. You want to clearly state that you have a child/teen in a psychiatric emergency.
  • Seek expertise.  Ask the dispatcher to send a crisis trained officer. This varies from department to department, but many have officers trained specifically to respond to psychiatric situations.
  • Request compassion. Communicate that you’d like responders to come without lights and sirens. This will help deescalate the situation and reduce stress for siblings in the home.
  • Inform the child. In a neutral tone, communicate to the child/teen that you’re calling for help for their safety and yours. Nothing else needs to be said at the moment.

Most departments will dispatch police and EMS at the same time, but will require a police officer to assess the scene before allowing the EMS to enter. If safe, meet an officer at the door and tell them where the child/teen in crisis is. Also, put away pets if you can, let them know what room siblings are in and be prepared to answer questions about the incident honestly. Some agencies will also dispatch a mobile crisis mental health provider to your home.

After a police and EMS assessment, responses from first responders will vary greatly due to local policies in procedures. In general, they’ll follow one of several paths. They will transport the child/teen for you to an emergency room or crisis facility for an evaluation. Alternately, they could work to deescalate the child/teen and advise you to transport them. In rare cases, they’ll simply document and leave if the child deescalates during the process.

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The biggest follow-up question from clients is, “Will DSS become involved.” They could be, depending on the local agency’s policies. However, DSS is not going to be concerned about your home as a call for 911 means that you are providing for your child’s needs. They may follow up with you on resources, but they are not interested in taking siblings. DSS becomes concerned when a child/teen’s aggression results in harm to other children or themselves, but the parents have not actively sought assistance.  

If you’re in a situation where you think calling 911 is likely, please reach out to SHHIP. We are here to work with you through these very difficult situations.