These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Is anyone in danger?
Call 911 if they have a weapon, are hurting someone or themselves, are about to walk into traffic, or are very sick or hurt.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
Keep your distance. Keep a way out for you and for them.
2If no one is in danger: call a crisis line
These lines can talk with the person or with you, and may send help.
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL)
NM crisis line (1-855-NMCRISIS)
855-662-7474
· 24/7
Hidalgo Medical Services
HMS Mental Health Crisis Line 24/7
855-422-4334
· 24/7
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988 crisis call/text/chat
988
· 24/7
3How to talk with them
You can say"Hi, my name is ___. You seem upset. Are you OK? Can I help?"
Speak slowly and calmly, in short sentences. Don't argue about what they see or hear.
Don't crowd, touch or corner them. Turn down noise and send onlookers away.
You can ask"Is there someone I can call for you?"
You can ask"Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" If yes, use the guide "Someone is in crisis or talking about suicide".
4It could be a medical problem
Confusion can come from low blood sugar, a stroke, a head injury, heat, cold or drugs.
If they have diabetes, see "Someone with diabetes is shaky, confused or passing out". For stroke signs, see "Someone may be having a stroke or heart attack".
If they are older and lost, use the guide "An older person seems confused, lost or wandering".
5Later
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission's peer support (Mon and Wed 8:30-1) and case worker (Tue and Thu 9-1) can help with next steps.
Use the guide "Needs someone to talk to or mental health counseling".
Center for Health Innovation
Mental Health First Aid, QPR suicide prevention and Narcan trainings
575-534-0101
11587 US 180 E., Silver City
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.