Defining crisis and emergency

All too often, a crisis is responded to inappropriately, as if it were an emergency. Similarly, an emergency is often inappropriately treated with crisis intervention. Resources are wasted or the client receives unsuitable care. It becomes clear when reading the literature that no consensus has been achieved regarding definitions of the terms "crisis" and "emergency." This article argues that the terms are not interchangeable, offers specific definitions of each, and discusses some of the implications of the definitions. The confusing situations which arise in clinical practice may be clarified by the use of these definitions, and it is hoped that they will lead to more appropriate clinical decision making.