You have determined that initiating emergency service intervention is necessary based on your conversation with an individual in crisis. Which of the following should you do if they do not give you consent to contact 911? Select one answer.

A.
Provide support and let the person know that they can reach back out to the Lifeline when they are ready to contact emergency services

B.
Validate their emotions and inform the person that you will be contacting emergency services because you are concerned for their safety

C.
Continue the conversation and help the person to prepare for the arrival of emergency responders

D.
A and C

E.
B and C

1 answer

The best answer in this scenario would be:

B. Validate their emotions and inform the person that you will be contacting emergency services because you are concerned for their safety.

In situations where an individual's safety is at risk, it is important to prioritize their well-being, even if they do not consent to emergency services. Validating their emotions is important, but informing them that you must take action for their safety is crucial.

Option A involves waiting for the person to reach out on their own, which may not be appropriate if there is an immediate risk. Option C suggests preparing them for responders, but if they are not consenting to that intervention, it's inappropriate to do so without notifying them of your actions.

Thus, the most responsible and ethical choice is option B.