Exam Pass Notes

Download (Word)

Recognition

• Self-harm means intentional self-poisoning or self-injury, regardless of apparent motive.
• Take direct or indirect language indicating suicide risk seriously.
• Third-party reports may include urgent safety information; treat them accordingly.
• Online messages that express urgency should not be left in routine queues.
• Avoid judging motive or dismissing behaviour as attention seeking.

Response

• Remain calm, non-judgemental and clear in your wording.
• Use brief, supportive phrases such as "I am glad you told us."
• Do not perform a formal risk assessment, score risk, or declare someone safe.
• Escalate urgently when there is self-harm, overdose, expressed intent or plan, or if the person cannot stay safe.
• Use emergency services when there is immediate danger, serious injury or overdose.

Records and Sharing

• Record the person's exact words, times, route, location if known, actions taken and who was informed.
• A vague entry such as "mental health call" can conceal urgent risk.
• You may receive information from relatives or carers even when you cannot disclose patient details back to them.
• Confidentiality should not prevent sharing information needed to prevent serious harm.

Systems and Support

• Wording that indicates urgent risk must bypass routine queues and any full-list barriers.
• Practices must have clear procedures for failed contact and handover.
• Both suicide-risk escalation and safeguarding escalation may be required in some cases.
• Staff should be offered debriefing and support after distressing contacts.