Suicide And Homicide Risk Management (Page 7 of 18) in pdf

Suicide and Homicide Risk Management

referred for verbal expression of suicidal thoughts or

variety of situations, including the typical presentation

self-injurious behavior the previous night when they

with military-specific suicidal ideation and very few

were intoxicated. On presentation, the service member

risk factors for suicide completion.

may have no current suicidal ideation, may claim to

Another scenario in which this watch may be useful

have no memory of the statements or self-injurious

is in managing soldiers who are urgently command-

EXHIBIT 26-2

24-HOUR WATCH MEMORANDUM

DATE:

MEMORANDUM FOR (COMMANDER, UNIT)

SUBJECT: 24 Hour Watch for _______________________________ (Soldier’s name and last 4)

1. The Soldier was evaluated at the _____________ Behavioral Health clinic on ______________________ The results

of the evaluation indicate that this Soldier is at some risk for self-harm or harm to others. The risk level at this time

does not warrant hospitalization , but a 24 Hour Watch for both support and safety is recommended.

2. 24-Hour Watch procedures are as follows:

a. Continuous monitoring should occur at all times, including accompanying the soldier to the latrine and

during meals.

b. The soldier should sleep in a room with a unit member who is awake at all times or in a dayroom (cleared

of dangerous items) near the Staff Duty/CQ area so that the Soldier is constantly monitored throughout

the night. Other actions that specifically identify the Soldier on a 24 Hour Watch to large numbers of unit

personnel (e.g. having the Soldier wear a road guard vest throughout the day) are not authorized and may

be perceived as harassment.

c. Health and welfare inspection of the soldier’s room to remove hazardous materials (e.g., pills, knives, weap-

ons, etc.). Instead of removing the Soldier’s weapon, the weapon may be inactivated (e.g., removing the bolt

or firing pin from an M-16.

d. Other than family members, visitors from outside the unit must be cleared by the commander.

e. No access to alcohol or dangerous objects such as:

1) Personal weapons, knives, cigarette lighters, jewelry with sharp edges, blow dryers (silverware other

than sharp knives is acceptable).

2) Pills (medication should be dispensed one dose at a time by medic, PA, NCO, etc.).

3) The Soldier may carry a military-issued firearm if the firing pin or bolt has been removed from the

weapon.

3. Soldier should perform his/her regular (noncombat) duty and PT. Physical exercise often improves behavioral

health symptoms.

4. This plan will be in effect from today until it is terminated by the Behavioral Health clinician in agreement with

the command. Continuing a 24 hour watch after a Behavioral Health clinician has recommended termination is not

authorized and may be perceived as harassment.

5. If this Soldier’s condition worsens, the Soldier’s supervisor should call the Behavioral Health clinic at xxx-xxxx

during duty hours or escort the Soldier to the Emergency Room (or TMC in theater) after duty hours. If phone

contact cannot be established with a Behavioral Health clinician during the day, bring the Soldier to the Behavioral

Health clinic during duty hours for evaluation.

6. This soldier’s next appointment at the_______________________ Behavioral Health clinic is

on________________________ at _______________________.

________________________________

______________________________

Representative from Command

Clinician

CQ: charge of quarters; NCO: noncommissioned officer; PA: physician’s assistant; TMC: troop medical clinic

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Suicide And Homicide Risk Management Page 7

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