You are loading a 24-year-old male for transport to the hospital after he stated that he wanted to kill himself. The patient's father pulls you aside and tells you that his son repeatedly has been in the hospital for suicidal statements but is then released and comes home and the whole cycle repeats itself. He is worried that one day his son will actually commit suicide and wonders if there is anything he can do to decrease the chance of this happening. In regards to the most common means by which people commit suicide, you should respond by saying:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most common means by which people commit suicide is by firearms. Therefore, removing guns from the house is an important step to decrease the chance of the patient committing suicide. It is not necessary to remove all household cleaning products or alcohol unless the patient has expressed a specific intent to use those as means for suicide. The fact that the patient has not attempted suicide before does not necessarily decrease the chance of them attempting it in the future.

You Are Loading a 24-Year-Old Male for Transport to the Hospital