The person who first intervenes in a potential student suicide needs no special skill. Availability is much more important than any special activity or skill. Active listening is much more important than talking.

If a student or staff member expresses suicidal thoughts, via verbal or written means, or attempts suicide:

• Call the building administrator's office and notify the building administrator and counselor (if available).
• If weapons were used to attempt suicide, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISARM the individual.
• Stay with person until help arrives.
• Do not try to handle the situation alone. Seek immediate assistance from another teacher or staff member.
• Listen and observe. Of vital importance to a person in an emotional crisis is to have someone available who will listen and hear what he or she is saying. Avoid false reassurance that "everything will be okay" and never demean suicidal expressions. 
• Be supportive. Communicate your concern for the student. Keep your own emotional response under control. Do not be judgmental.
• Be sensitive to the relative seriousness of the person's thoughts and feelings. Inquire directly about thoughts of suicide. Show care and concern when dealing with this person. When a person speaks of clear-cut, self-destructive plans, the situation is usually much more serious. Take any suicidal complaint seriously, even if it is expressed in a calm voice.
• If weapons were used to attempt suicide, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISARM the individual.
• Trust your own judgment. If you believe someone is in danger of suicide, act on your own beliefs.