This is always a medical emergency, and requires proper assessment by the local Mental Health Services. Use your own team's Local Protocols to arrange for an assessment with the local CrisisServices.

Key questions to consider:

1. What was the young person's intention when they set out on the act?
1. Did they take plans to avoid being found?
2. Did they write notes, indicating planning?
3. How lethal was the method chosen?
4. How much opportunity for 'second-thoughts' did the method allow for?
2. Is a repeat likely?
1. How do they feel about being here now? Do they regret 'failing' or are they relieved?
2. Are the same problems that precipitated the attempt still there?
3. Is there sufficiently robust support around the young person to keep them safe without being admitted to hospital (most local areas have a policy that insists on admission to a paediatric ward or adolescent crisis bed at least until assessed by the appropriate team.

A completed suicide

When a young person does commit suicide it is extremely traumatic for all concerned. Unfortunately, we know that young people DO commit suicide, and in spite of all that we do, we are not able to prevent this fact.

• There will be a need to consider the effect on peers - whose own risk for suicide will be increased by this fact.
• There may be a need to link with family members to offer support, and, where possible, explanations.
• There is a need to consider staff reactions.
• There will be a need to consider how to mark such a tragic event in a dignified way that yet values the efforts of those who are left behind.
• There will be a need to review what went wrong, so that any lessons can be learned.