Timeframe:

Emergency response calls for contact to be made within 3 hours
In extreme crises the Police, and Ambulance services should be involved - see CrisisServices

Criteria for emergency response

• This will not be common.
• It will be a crisis situation in which imminent risk is perceived and which the existing network (family, voluntary agencies and professional) is perceived as being unable to contain at present.
• For instance, an overdose may have already been taken, with the young person refusing medical treatment;
• There may be threats of suicide or violence that appear driven by psychotic beliefs or other mental health symptoms.
• Risks appear likely to be acted upon in the immediate future.
• The family may have ejected the young person from home.

There will be high levels of anxiety in the immediate family, and within the existing professional network.

It is likely that the existing network will be strongly in favour of immediate admission to hospital, and it is important to acknowledge the validity of this position (see We want a hospital bed, not a home visit!).

In all but exceptional circumstances it will be necessary for a preliminary medical assessment to have been made (e.g. by the GP) before triggering an Emergency response.