RM013 Certificate in From Concern to Safety: Suicide Risk Response Skills

Course objectives

This course supports learners to develop the practical knowledge, confidence and communication skills needed to identify, assess and respond to a person who may be experiencing immediate suicide risk.

Learners will explore how to recognise warning signs, respond to direct and indirect indicators of suicide risk, ask clear and respectful questions, assess immediate safety concerns and work collaboratively with the person to reduce risk and increase safety.

The course also focuses on how to build rapport in moments of crisis, use active listening and empathy, follow organisational procedures, develop a clear safety response and connect the person with emergency, professional and community supports where required.

By the end of this course, learners will understand the importance of responding calmly, directly and safely when suicide risk is present, while working within role boundaries, legal responsibilities and workplace policies.

Learner outcomes

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• recognise signs, statements, behaviours and indirect cues that may indicate a person is considering suicide
• respond to concerns about suicide risk in a calm, respectful and non-judgemental way
• ask direct and appropriate questions about suicidal thoughts when there are grounds for concern
• assess immediate suicide risk using relevant risk indicators and safety considerations
• identify factors that may increase risk, including previous suicide attempts, self-harm, social isolation, substance use, major loss, relationship breakdown or sudden behavioural change
• use active listening, empathy, rapport building and supportive communication during crisis conversations
• work with the person to reduce immediate danger and increase safety
• follow organisational policies, procedures and reporting requirements
• support the development of a clear safety plan where appropriate
• seek emergency assistance, supervision or referral pathways when immediate safety concerns are present
• facilitate connection to further professional, community or crisis support services
• maintain appropriate boundaries, duty of care and documentation when responding to suicide ris