What should an EMT do first when arriving at a scene where a patient is threatening suicide?

In a situation where a patient is threatening suicide, the first priority for an EMT is to ensure safety for both the patient and themselves. This often involves de-escalating the situation effectively before any other action is taken. If additional personnel are required to assist, this is typically considered a subsequent step after assessing the immediate threat and attempting to stabilize the environment.

Attempting to call a family physician or prepare documentation without first addressing the immediate danger can lead to missed opportunities for intervention and might exacerbate the situation. Therefore, the preferred approach is to focus on calming the patient, establishing communication, and assessing their mental state, which aligns with the recommended practice of continuing to de-escalate.

This strategy not only prioritizes the immediate safety of all involved but also enables the EMT to gather more information about the patient's state, which is crucial for providing appropriate care and determining the next actions required. The emphasis here is on active engagement with the patient to prevent harm before considering other procedures such as calling additional resources or documenting the situation.