MDC - Suicide AID LIFE

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Suicide

A.I.D. L.I.F.E.

First used by the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, the AID LIFE acronym was adopted by the Navy as one tool in the prevention of suicidal behavior among sailors, marines, officers and midshipmen.

AID LIFE also serves as a memory device to help you maintain an awareness of the essential steps to take when you encounter someone who is considering suicide.

AID LIFE stands for:

A:	Ask.	Do not be afraid to ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” or "Are you thinking about suicide?"
I:	Intervene Immediately.	Intervene immediately. Take action. Listen and let the person know he or she is not alone.
D:	Don’t keep it a secret.	Don't agree to keep anything a secret. You may need help to safe your shipmates life.


L:	Locate help.	Seek out the Officer on Duty, chaplain, physician, corpsman, friend, family member, crisis line worker, or emergency room staff.
I:	Inform the Chain of Command.	The Chain of Command can secure necessary assistance resources for the long term. Suicide risk does not get better with quick solutions. Effective problem-solving takes time, and the Chain of Command can monitor progress to help avert future difficulties.
F:	Find someone.	Find someone to stay with the person now. Don't leave the person alone.
E:	Expedite.	Get help now. An at-risk person needs immediate attention from professional caregivers.

Suicide Basics
College Age Suicide
Depression and Suicide
Alcohol and Suicide
Race and Suicide
Gender and Suicide
Common Myths Debunked

Warning Signs
Risk Factors
Feelings/Thoughts/Behaviors

Main Suicide Page

How to Help
The Navy Model - AID LIFE
USNA/MDC Resources
Navy/Marine Corps Links
AFSP Teen Prevention Videos
Other Resources


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