# Safety Planning for Youth in the Emergency Department Who Have Suicide Risk

## TL;DR

This paper discusses how emergency departments can help prevent youth suicide by creating safety plans and reducing access to lethal means.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a practical framework and strategies for implementing safety planning in emergency departments for at-risk youth.

## Key findings

- Emergency departments are critical for identifying and addressing suicide risk in youth.
- Safety planning and lethal means counseling are effective interventions when properly implemented.
- Emerging innovations aim to improve the reach and effectiveness of these interventions.

## Abstract

Suicide remains a leading cause of death among US youth. The emergency department (ED) is a critical access point for identifying suicide risk and initiating interventions to reduce that risk. Key strategies include developing individualized safety plans and counseling on reducing access to lethal means. This article reviews the current evidence supporting ED safety planning for youth at risk of suicide and presents a practical framework for its delivery. It also explores strategies to enhance the implementation of safety planning and lethal means counseling, including using clinical pathways, training of staff, optimizing reimbursement, and integrating resources into the electronic medical record system. Finally, the article highlights emerging innovations aimed at improving the reach of safety plan interventions in the ED setting.