FOI 26-147 Rapport following Suicide Attempt

Freedom of Information Request

Reference

FOI 26-147 Rapport following Suicide Attempt

Request Date

15 Mar 2026

Response Date

01 Apr 2026

Information Requested

What is the guidance given in Mental Health training for paramedics on establishing rapport with someone who's made a suicide attempt via overdose? What processes do they follow to treat the patient and reassure them? 

Response

Within the Scottish Ambulance Service’s mental health training for crews, there is a strong focus on communication skills which helps staff to approach a person who has attempted suicide with calmness, empathy and without judgment, using active listening and gentle body language. They are encouraged to use the Time, Space, Compassion model to help the patient feel safe to talk about the overdose. Within this training, we give examples of how to establish rapport by validating feelings, showing compassion, and creating psychological safety while avoiding assumptions, promises they cannot keep, or language that could increase shame. 

  

Alongside treating the immediate medical needs of an overdose, they are trained to carry out a structured mental health and suicide risk assessment which explores intent, means, plan, capacity, history, protective factors, and current distress. They are taught to ask directly about suicide whilst applying trauma‑informed principles. Depending on risk and capacity, crews either convey the patient for urgent care or work collaboratively on a short‑term safety plan focused on keeping them safe, involving appropriate supports, and considering a Distress Brief Intervention referral where criteria are met. Clear documentation of observations, risk, conversations, and actions is essential. 

 

This training is further supported by the guidance in the JRCALC handbook utilised by Scottish Ambulance Service crews. - JRCALC – Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee