Individuals in distress or in crisis

Here are the safety guidelines and protocol to follow when you encounter someone who appears distraught or in crisis, whether in class or elsewhere on campus.

1. Immediate assessment of the situation

  • The individual represents an imminent danger (clear threats, attempted act, credible verbal threat, violent act in progress, suicide attempt, visible weapons, highly disorganised and erratic behaviour):
    • Call 911 immediately (specify ‘psychiatric emergency/imminent danger’) – request the police and a mental health paramedic team if available. The police or ambulance will take the person to a hospital if necessary. Specify if the person is a minor.
    • Immediately notify the campus management or the person in charge using the following contact information:
      • At the Gaspé campus: 418 368-2201, extension 8888
      • At the Îles-de-la-Madeleine campus: 418 986-5187, extension 2222
      • At the Carleton-sur-Mer campus: 418 364-3341, extension 4444
      • At the École des pêches et de l’aquaculture du Québec 418 385-2241, extension 3333
    • Separate the individual concerned and have others leave the area, then secure the premises, if the situation permits. Avoid any direct confrontation.
  • The individual does not represent an immediate threat, but concerning signs have been observed (verbal incoherence, agitation, confused speech suggesting rapid deterioration):
    • Contact the campus management, which acts as the emergency response coordinator and is responsible for enforcing by-law no. 9.
    • Refer the person to the Cégep’s psychosocial services. It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with and consult the document Accueillir ou diriger une étudiante ou un étudiant ayant besoin d’un soutien psychosocial (French only), published on the Staff Portal. If it is impossible to accompany the person, ask a member of the psychosocial staff to come and conduct the assessment on site.

2. Reporting the situation

  • Immediately document the facts observed (witnesses, time, exact words, behaviour, gestures, presence of objects or weapons). The information must be factual.  
  • Forward this information to the campus management.