What to do in the event of a mental health emergency on campus.

On rare occasions it is possible that you may come across or be confronted by a person with some kind of mental illness.

If this occurs, try to assess if the person is in any of these conditions:

• suicidal
• distressed
• agitated
• threatening
• behaving abnormally
• out of touch with reality.

If anyone is in danger, ensure your own safety, seek support from colleagues, and call Campus Security (24 hours) 2222 from a landline on Crawley campus, otherwise (+61 8) 6488 2222 - or 1800 655 222 (a free call from public phones).

If there is no immediate danger and you need outside assistance immediately then call either:

1. Mental Health Emergency Response Line (24 hours) on 1300 555 7888 for an immediate telephone response from a mental health professional
2. Crisis Care (24 hours) for urgent, serious issues such as domestic violence, child welfare, homelessness, family conflict, and a need for counselling.

If emergency services are required on site, also advise Campus Security.

If the person is willing to accept help, then help them to telephone a relative or friend – for on campus support for staff and students, refer the person to the UWA Counselling Service (+61) 8 6488 2428 or the University Medical Centre (+61 8) 6488 2118.

Students (not staff) may be referred to UniAccess (+61 8) 6488 2423 or the Student Guild (+61) 8 6488 2295.

For off-campus support, staff and students may be referred to Crisis Care (24 hours) (+61) 8 9233 1111.

Staff (not students) may be referred to the 24-hour Employee Assistance program 1300 361 008.

After any such incident, staff should document and debrief with a supervisor, and/or telephone the UWA Counselling Service (+61) 8 6488 2423, the external Employee Assistance Program (24 hours) 1300 361 008, or their own health professionals.

For additional support and information students should contact the UWA Counselling Service (+61 8) 6488 2423 or their own health professional.