Suicides and suicide attempts in emergency medicine

In emergency medicine, suicides and attempted suicides represent a major challenge for emergency physicians (EPs) and paramedics, both in terms of psychiatric and somatic treatment. To date no investigations have been performed to determine prevalence rates, method of suicide or attempted suicide, and the problems faced by EPs when treating these patients. This investigation presents a first evaluation of the complete emergency protocols from a major German city focusing on suicide and parasuicide.

A retrospective analysis of all EP protocols from 1995 in the city of Hamburg was performed. All protocols were evaluated with respect to suicide parasuicide and suicidal ideation. Demographic data and information on method of suicide or attempted suicide, severity of illness, and underlying psychiatric disorder were extracted from the protocols.

A total of 26,347 emergency protocols were evaluated. Suicide and attempted suicide were considered either certain, probable, or possible in 743 cases (2.8%). Suicide was committed in 171 cases and attempted were made by 572 individuals. More men committed suicide in all age groups. By far the highest number of suicide attempts were by young men between 18 and 39 years of age. Hanging was the most commonly used method of completed suicide (41%), followed by jumping from a height (21%). The methods of intoxication with medication (54%) and illegal drugs (17%) clearly prevailed in suicide attempts. Documentation of suicides and attempted suicides was revealed to be unsatisfactory. Underlying psychiatric disorders were scarcely recorded.

In emergency medicine, the incidence of suicide or the attempt to commit suicide is small, yet disturbing. The frequency assessed may be too low as result of methodology. There is a need to improve the education of emergency physicians and paramedics in this area, and there is a need for data to be collected in a prospective design.