Ask. Care. Escort.

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. –?Every Soldier, Civilian, and family member can play a part in suicide prevention by building strong community and unit connections, recognizing at-risk behavior, and connecting with those in distress. Start the conversation with someone who may be in crisis, offer encouragement, and guide them to the right resources.

The Army utilizes the “Ask. Care. Escort.” training model. ACE focuses on risk factors, warning signs, and resources and encourages intervention for at-risk individuals.

If you suspect your battle buddy or family member is struggling, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. Asking won’t increase the likelihood that they will consider this idea.

In the "Ask" photo above, Marcus Harris, U.S. Army Sustainment Command safety and occupational health specialist, depicts an individual struggling with depression and suicidal ideations. Maj. Jessica Carr, ASC Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, depicts an individual performing the first step of the ACE method: Ask.

Some examples of questions you can ask include:

• “You seem upset. What is worrying you?”
• “What can I do to help you?”
• “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Care for your battle buddy or family member by listening and assuring them that immediate help is available. Encouragement of help-seeking behaviors like counseling can make a difference. Talk calmly, using language that encourages them to open up, and show active listening. Remove objects that the at-risk person could use to harm themselves.

In the "Care" photo above, Harris depicts an individual struggling with depression and suicidal ideations. Carr depicts an individual performing the second step of the ACE method: Care.

Some examples of things you can say to show care include:

• “You are not alone. I’m here for you.”
• “Let me make sure I understand, do you mean…?” Show active listening!
• “I want to help.”

Escort your battle buddy or family member to a safe place where they can get professional help, such as an emergency room, a crisis counseling center, or to the office of a behavioral health professional. If they refuse to go, do not leave them alone. Call 988 if necessary.

In the "Escort" photo above, Harris depicts an individual struggling with depression and suicidal ideations. Carr depicts an individual performing the third step of the ACE method: Escort.

Billy Hallmark, chief of the Rock Island Arsenal Army Substance Abuse Program and Certified Employee Assistance Professional is shown as an example of a professional that you can escort someone who is struggling to. For assistance from the RIA EAP office, call 309-782-2053 or 309-782-4357 (HELP), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. For after hours emergencies, call RIA Dispatch at 309-782-6116 and an EAP staff member will call you back.

Some examples of other ways you can escort a person in a crisis include:

• Never leave a person in a suicide crisis alone – not even for a minute.
• Escort the person to the ER, but don’t force them. If they won’t go, call help to come to you by dialing 911 for emergency services or 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.
• If you are on the phone or texting, keep the person talking and find out where they are. Send help to them.