Emergency Response Guide

At times, there are urgent situations that require immediate intervention—typically when a student poses a risk of harm to themselves or others. These emergency situations may include the following:

1. If the student is under the influence of alcohol or substances:

If you suspect that a student may be under the influence, directly ask whether they have consumed alcohol or any other substance. Do not hesitate to inquire whether they intend to harm themselves or others. Noticing and acknowledging a student’s distress often provides significant relief to them.

2. If the student exhibits unusual behavior or speech indicating a loss of contact with reality:

• Hallucinations

• Delusions

• Disorganized thinking

• Confusion

• Disorientation (loss of time or place awareness)

• Severe aggression or potential harm to others (intentional or unintentional due to impaired judgment)

• Risk of suicide or suicide attempts

If the student threatens self-harm, writes notes about it, openly mentions suicide, or gives implicit farewell messages, immediate action must be taken.

WHAT TO DO IN CASES OF SUICIDAL RISK OR ATTEMPTS

1) Responsibilities of the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Practice and Research Center:

Suicide refers to any act directed toward one’s own physical harm and requires medical intervention. Such situations are medical emergencies that necessitate immediate first aid.

At the beginning of counseling sessions, all students are informed that the confidentiality rule does not apply if there is a risk of harm to themselves or others, and written consent acknowledging this is obtained.

In suicide attempt cases, the student is referred to a psychiatric unit at a healthcare institution. After the necessary medical and psychiatric interventions for the student’s physical and mental well-being are completed, further evaluation is carried out. If deemed appropriate, the student may continue to receive follow-up at the Mersin University Guidance and Psychological Counseling Practice and Research Center alongside psychiatric treatment.

2) If a third party (friend, academic or administrative staff) learns that a student has suicidal thoughts:

• The individual who receives this information should encourage the student to seek psychological help and refer them to the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Practice and Research Center.

• If the student agrees to attend an individual counseling session, psychological counselors or psychologists will conduct the necessary assessments. A referral process to a psychiatric service will be initiated if needed.

• If the student refuses psychological support, the situation should be communicated to the student’s family or close contacts. (The confidentiality rule may be breached if there is a risk of harm to self or others.)

• All relevant parties and units must remain in communication throughout the crisis management process.

• It should be remembered that even with ongoing psychological treatment, preventing suicide with absolute certainty is not possible.

3) If a student currently receiving individual counseling mentions suicide during sessions:

• A risk assessment is conducted.

• If the risk level is low, a verbal or written no-harm agreement is made with the student, and the student is referred for psychiatric support. (If the student refuses to seek help, their family will be informed with prior notice to the student.)

• If the risk level is moderate or high, the student’s family and relevant administrative authorities will be informed with prior notice to the student, and immediate referral to a hospital psychiatric service will be initiated.

• After the initial intervention, a joint evaluation is conducted with the psychiatric unit, and if appropriate, follow-up continues at the University Guidance and Psychological Counseling Practice and Research Center.

4) If a suicide attempt occurs within the university or in a student dormitory:

Medical Intervention:

Medical intervention refers to first aid and life-saving procedures for students who have attempted suicide.

• In suicide attempts that occur in dormitories or on campus, first aid must be administered by a doctor or nurse either on-site or at an external healthcare facility.

• Regardless of the severity of the attempt, the student’s family must be informed. If there is a risk of harm to self or others, being over 18 years old does not prevent notifying the family.

5) If such emergency situations occur on campus during working hours:

If you believe that a student may harm themselves or others, immediately contact the Guidance and Psychological Counseling Center or the Campus Security Unit. Remember that the student’s safety and physical well-being take priority. Do not hesitate to share information with the relevant authorities out of concern that the student may become upset.

6) If such situations occur on campus outside working hours:

Inform the Security Unit and the Office of the Dean of Students, and assist in taking the student to the nearest hospital.
Contact Emergency Medical Services (112) to ensure transfer to the nearest healthcare facility, such as Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Training and Research Hospital.

7) If the student resides in a dormitory:

Ensure that the Dormitory Director is informed of the situation.

8) If such a situation occurs off-campus:

Ensure that the student is not left alone and is transferred to a healthcare institution. Contact Emergency Services (112) or Police (155) and subsequently notify the student’s family.

Security Unit Contact Information

Çiftlikköy Campus: (0324) 361 01 15