AIRS Crisis Intervention Strategies 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which element is part of the ABC model of crisis intervention?
- Arrest, Book, Charge
- Achieving contact, Boiling down the problem, Coping (Correct answer)
- Assess, Bill, Close
- Admit, Balance, Counsel
Correct answer: Achieving contact, Boiling down the problem, Coping
The ABC model involves making contact, narrowing the problem to its core, and developing coping responses.
Question 2: A caller threatens to seriously harm a specific, identifiable coworker tomorrow. Which principle may require breaking confidentiality?
- Duty to warn or protect (Correct answer)
- Self-determination
- Least restrictive referral
- Informed consent
Correct answer: Duty to warn or protect
Credible threats of serious harm to an identifiable person may trigger duty-to-warn or protect obligations under law and policy.
Question 3: After a high-risk crisis call ends, which follow-up practice is recommended when the caller has consented?
- Close the record and take no further action
- Post the case details on social media for awareness
- Make a scheduled follow-up call to check safety and linkage to services (Correct answer)
- Send the caller's records to their employer
Correct answer: Make a scheduled follow-up call to check safety and linkage to services
Follow-up contacts after crisis calls reduce risk and confirm that the caller connected with services.
Question 4: An agitated caller is yelling and using profanity but is not threatening anyone. What is the BEST initial de-escalation strategy?
- Raise your voice so they can hear you
- Disconnect immediately
- Warn them you will call the police
- Use a calm, low tone, acknowledge their frustration, and let them vent briefly (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Use a calm, low tone, acknowledge their frustration, and let them vent briefly
A calm tone and validation usually lower intensity, while matching volume or threatening escalates it.
Question 5: Which of the following is a protective factor against suicide?
- Recent loss of a relationship
- Access to firearms
- Strong connections to family and community (Correct answer)
- Previous suicide attempt
Correct answer: Strong connections to family and community
Social connectedness is a well-established protective factor; the others are risk factors.
Question 6: Means restriction counseling with a suicidal caller focuses on:
- Reducing access to lethal methods such as firearms or stockpiled medications (Correct answer)
- Limiting the caller's phone use
- Restricting the caller's diet
- Preventing the caller from contacting family
Correct answer: Reducing access to lethal methods such as firearms or stockpiled medications
Reducing access to lethal means during a crisis period is one of the most effective suicide prevention strategies.
Question 7: Under AIRS Standards, what should an I&R service have in place for callers in crisis?
- A policy to refer all crisis calls to voicemail
- A rule that only supervisors may speak with crisis callers
- A requirement that callers give their full legal name first
- Written procedures for handling crisis and emergency calls, including linkage to crisis and emergency services (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Written procedures for handling crisis and emergency calls, including linkage to crisis and emergency services
AIRS Standards require documented crisis and emergency procedures so specialists can respond consistently and link callers to help.
AIRS Crisis Intervention Strategies 5
Which element is part of the ABC model of crisis intervention?