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JPSU SUICIDE MITIGATION STRATEGY

ISSUE

1. Depending on the nature of the injury / illness of those posted to theJPSU, the risk of suicide attempts can greatly increase. CF casualty support isextremely complex and there are several situational factors that increase the riskof suicide. Other than the severity of the illness or injury, the individualscognitive capabilities may be affected by an OSI and the associated sleepdisorders, dealing with the trauma of their experiences, medications, addictions,behavioral issues, and or the dynamics of their family / social situation.Casualties with OSIs are more prone to succumb to addictions and may have alack of self assurance, self control, self discipline and a propensity for self harm.

2. There are casualties in every region who are at an increased risk of

attempting suicide and in most cases their identity is unknown. Experience hasshown that most suicide attempts occur during silent hours. CF Health Svcs (Grn/ Base Clinics) understandably do not have a duty watch during silent hours orweekends.

ACTION

3. In order to address the issue, a Suicide Mitigation Strategy will be enactedin conjunction with our partners. This strategy is comprised of a multi-prongedapproach as follows:

Communications: We will increase awareness of the resourcesavailable. IPSCs must ensure that the ill and injured under theircommand are given the best possible resources and supportincluding existing regional and national suicide preventionprograms, to mitigate the possibility of suicide attempts;

Training: All IPSC staff will obtain an appropriate level of suicidemitigation training and be proactive in early intervention byidentifying the signs / behavioral changes that indicate an individualmay be contemplating suicide. Some of the indicators may includebut are not limited to:

(1) alcohol or drug use;(2) family or other violence;(3) marked changes in work or social habits;(4) loss of self-esteem;(5) depression;(6) withdrawal;

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(7) give away possessions; and(8) comments such as I wish I were dead, or "my family would

be better off without me".

Self Harm Watch List / Unit Nominal Roll: A Watch List with

high risk casualties identified will be developed and promulgated ineach region. As it is essential to protect confidential medical andpersonal information, this list will be reviewed weekly by senior staffand only be disclosed on a need to know basis or in a crisissituation. All IPSCs will promulgate a monthly updated nominal rollto their local Military Police, Base Duty Officers and Base DutyChaplains. This list will not contain any medical information but willconfirm that those appearing on the list are posted to the IPSC. Thenominal roll will provide the MPs, Duty Officer and Duty Chaplainan indication that they are dealing with a casualty posted to theIPSC which in turn will no doubt influence the manner in which they

react to the situation. Along with the nominal roll, there will be asilent hour duty number manned by senior IPSC staff.

24/7 Duty Watch: All IPSCs will establish a 24/7 duty watch. Allsenior NCMs and Officers will, on a weekly rotational basis, beassigned a Duty cellular phone for silent hour coverage. Along withthe cell and unit nominal roll, a Self Harm Watch List will beincluded. The number will be provided to the Military Police, DutyOfficer and Duty Chaplain as well as all those receiving assistancefrom the IPSC. If a casualty contacts the duty watch and displaysany indication that he or she may harm themselves or if their name

appears on the Self Harm Watch List, appropriate careprofessionals and chain of command will be engaged.

CONCLUSION

4. This suicide mitigation strategy should in no way be seen as limiting orpreventing the use of any additional measures that the chain of command deemsnecessary to safeguard the ill and injured. This strategy demonstrates our deepconcern for the ill and injured population and families at risk as well as ourcommitment to providing the very best possible care.

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