What is an EMERGENCY?
A. Life Threatening & Recent Traumatic Situations.
If you believe that a student is:
- potentially suicidal and/or homicidal or
- has been raped or physically assaulted, or
- in your judgment, should be seen the same day for an emergency assessment
Inform the receptionist that you have a student who needs immediate assistance.
The receptionist will inform you which counselor is available and what time the student should arrive at our office.
B. Imminent Danger
If you believe that a student is imminently homicidal or suicidal, (i.e., you believe that the student is quite likely to hurt himself/herself or someone else soon after they leave your office or classroom or residence hall room), call Public Safety at 711 (or 888-2330 from an off-campus phone) or the Buffalo police at 911, and request an officer's presence immediately.
C. Tips on how to interact with a distressed student.
- Stay calm. Find someone to stay with him or her while calls are made to helping resources.
- If a student directly threatens himself or herself or someone else, or otherwise behaves dangerously, immediate attention is needed. Call: Public Safety: 888-2330 (24 hours), or the Police: 911. Public Safety will contact a counselor.
- Stay with the student, or have someone stay with the student, until help arrives.
Discussing your problems with someone can greatly reduce stress and anxiety that you may be experiencing, and can provide you with valuable insights.