The Role of Nurses in Suicide Prevention in Emergency Departments
Introduction
Emergency departments (EDs) serve as critical frontline settings for suicide
prevention, with nurses playing a pivotal role in identifying, assessing, and
intervening with at-risk patients. Suicide is a leading cause of death globally, and
ED visits often represent a final opportunity to intervene before a tragedy occurs
(WHO, 2024). Nurses in EDs are uniquely positioned to recognize warning signs,
provide immediate crisis intervention, and coordinate follow-up care. This paper
examines the,triage, assessment, therapeutic interventions, and post-
discharge strategies,nurses employ to prevent suicide, alongside systemic
challenges and best practices.
The Nurse’s Role in Suicide Risk Identification
1. Triage and Early Detection
ED nurses use,evidence-based screening tools,during triage to flag high-risk
patients, including:
Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ)
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9),for comorbid depression
Red flags,prompting immediate assessment:
Recent suicide attempt
Verbal cues (“I can’t go on”)
Social withdrawal or giving away possessions
2. Comprehensive Risk Assessment
Nurses conduct,structured interviews,to evaluate:
Intent,(specific plan, lethality of method)
Psychosocial stressors,(job loss, divorce, trauma)
