During a 911 call for a mental health emergency, what information should EMDs prioritize?

In a mental health emergency, the most critical information for Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs) to prioritize is the current situation and any immediate threats. This focus allows EMDs to assess the urgency of the situation—understanding if there is a risk of harm to the individual in crisis or to others is paramount. Immediate threats, such as suicidal behavior, aggressive actions, or the presence of weapons, necessitate swift and appropriate response measures.

By gathering details about the current situation, EMDs can effectively guide responding personnel on how to handle the incident safely and efficiently. This information helps ensure that the appropriate resources—like law enforcement or mental health professionals—are dispatched promptly to manage the crisis effectively. While factors like the patient's job, medical history, and family dynamics can provide some context, they are secondary compared to understanding the immediate risks involved in the emergency.