EMERGENCY GUIDE

If the person involved poses AN IMMEDIATE THREAT OF DANGER to themselves or someone else, call 911 and inform the dispatcher that you are calling about an individual with a mental health condition.

It is important to remain as calm as possible. You will need to provide important information in order for the emergency to be successfully resolved. Try to speak clearly and calmly; do not shout. 
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Provide the following information to the 911 operator :

  • Your name and address
  • Location of the incident
  • Name of the person in crisis
  • Your relationship to the person in crisis
  • A description of the person in crisis
  • Information on the person’s mental illness
  • The person’s diagnosis if known
  • Medications the person takes
  • If the person has stopped taking his/her medication
  • Is the person violent
  • Any history of violence
  • If there are any weapons at the location
  • What the person is doing, saying and/or experiencing
  • Use of any illegal and non illegal substance(s)

 When Law Enforcement Arrives: 

  • Turn on all lights in the house if indoors so everyone can be clearly seen
  • Do not have anything in your hands when you meet the officer(s)
  • Walk, do not run up to the officers
  • Remain at an appropriate distance to secure the safety of you and the officer(s). The recommended distance is 30 feet
  • Calmly identify yourself
  • Calmly offer information you think might be helpful (anyone currently in the home, reason for the call, if the person has fled, etc.)
  • Be clear and concise
  • Follow any important and relevant instructions the officer(s) provide​
If there is NOT AN IMMEDIATE THREAT OF DANGER, but someone is acting irrationally due to his/her mental state, contact your local mobile crisis team.  It is important to access mental health services before the situation becomes a crisis. 
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In the North Texas area, individuals may contact ADAPT Mobile Crisis at (866) 260-8000.