SUICIDE ATTEMPT

In the event that a crewmember on board attempts to kill himself, the following rules should be followed:

• Guarantee the patients' survival, by appling the most apropiate measures according to the method used in the attempted suicide (see Chapter 1, EMERGENCIES and Chapter 2, URGENT SITUATIONS).



• Ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO . It is desirable to gather the following information beforehand: method used (if we are dealing with poisons, what kind and in what quantity); did they take drugs or medication beforehand?; by whom and how were they found; Anterior problems which could have a bearing on the attempt, such as, for example, family problems, alcoholism, etc., and any Anterior psychiatric treatment received.



• An on board suicide attempt is medically considered to be a serious illness that requires immediate hospital treatment and as such, the patient should be evacuated as soon as possible. While this is taking place it is advisable that:
  
  The subject is kept in the quietest and most isolated cabin or room as possible.
  
  Anything that could be used to re-attempt the suicide should be kept out of reach: rope, knives, glass, medicines, fire, etc.
  
  They are kept under constant surveillance. There should always be another crewmember with them. The people in charge of keeping vigil should not make any reproaches and should have the patient's trust.