Suicidality & Self-Harm in Children and Adolescents: The Emergency Care Impact

Suicide and self-harm rates among children and adolescents are rising at alarming rates. Many healthcare providers rely on adult-focused mental health policies and tools, which may not effectively address the unique needs of pediatric patients. This course provides evidence-based education to improve emergency care and ensure appropriate screening, treatment, and discharge planning.

This self-paced course consists of five modules:

1. Background: The epidemiology of pediatric suicide
2. Prehospital Considerations: Transport considerations for children with suicidality
3. Emergency Department Screening and Assessment: Effective suicide screening tools
4. Emergency Department Treatment: Building an environment of safety and respect
5. Post-Emergency Department Considerations: Developing a safe discharge plan

Commit approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this course and enhance your ability to provide compassionate, evidence-based care for pediatric patients experiencing suicidality and self-harm. While this course does not offer continuing education credit, your organization or EMS/fire rescue agency may provide recognition for completing this learning activity.

What You Will Learn

• Understand the epidemiology and risk factors of pediatric suicide and self-harm
• Identify effective screening and assessment tools tailored for pediatric patients
• Learn principles of environmental and patient safety in emergency care settings
• Develop safe discharge plans to reduce unnecessary transfers and improve patient outcomes
• Gain insights into pediatric emergency readiness, with a focus on community and rural healthcare settings