What a security guard should do when someone has self-inflicted injuries and refuses help

You’re on duty, and you come across someone with self-inflicted injuries who says they don’t want help. It sounds like a tough moment, but there’s a clear, safer path to follow. The right action is: call for help and wait until medical assistance arrives. Let’s break down why that matters and how to handle the situation respectfully and effectively.

What makes “call for help and wait” the smart move

• Safety first, always. When someone has self-inflicted injuries, trained medical staff can assess risk, stop further harm, and begin treatment right away. A professional knows how to manage wounds, monitor vitals, and decide on immediate steps, which goes beyond what a bystander or even a lay rescuer can safely do.

• You’re not abandoning them. Waiting with the person, if it’s safe to do so, shows that someone cares and helps keep the person calm. De-escalation happens naturally when a guard remains present, attentive, and non-judgmental.

• You avoid potential escalation. Pushing for first aid when the person refuses can escalate distress or trigger a defensive reaction. A calm, supportive stance plus rapid access to EMS often yields the best outcome for everyone involved.

• It’s about proper handoff. When EMS arrives, you can provide a clear, concise account of what you observed and what was done so the medical team can pick up seamlessly.

What not to do (to keep everyone safe)

• Don’t demand that the person accept help. Respect their autonomy while making it clear you’re there to ensure their safety.

• Don’t try to “manage” the situation by involving random bystanders. If someone else steps in, you still need to coordinate with emergency services.

• Don’t leave them alone if you can stay safely nearby. If you must step away to call for help, keep line of sight and let the person know you’ll be right back.

• Don’t attempt to force treatment or move the person in a way that could cause more injury. Let trained medics decide the best course of action.

A practical briefing for the moment

• Scene safety: Before anything else, make sure the location is as safe as possible for you, the person, and nearby bystanders. Clear hazards, keep others at a respectful distance, and avoid crowding.

• Call for help immediately. Use your phone or the site’s emergency system to contact EMS and, if needed, onsite security or medical teams. State clearly: “I have a person with self-inflicted injuries who refuses help. Please send EMS to [location].”

• Share essential details. When you contact EMS, give them what you know: location exactness, injuries observed, mental state if you can assess it, whether the person is conscious, and any risk factors you’re aware of (e.g., history of self-harm, substance use, if a weapon appears present).

• Stay with the person if it’s safe. If the person is open to conversation, speak calmly, validate their feelings, and reassure them that help is on the way. Use short, clear sentences and avoid arguing about their decisions.

• Don’t provide or imply medical treatment beyond your training. Don’t give medications, food, or drink unless you’re trained to do so and it’s part of your role. Leave the medical decisions to the professionals.

The moment EMS arrives

• Handover cleanly. When responders arrive, share what you observed and what you did, including that the person refused help and that you remained nearby. Provide any relevant context the medics will need to know.

• Facilitate a smooth transition. If the person is stable enough to be moved, guide EMS to the best exit or access point and stay out of the way so the team can work efficiently.

• Document what you can. Jot down the time, location, method of notification, and a brief factual summary of the incident. This isn’t about blame—it’s about clear communication for safety and accountability.

After-action steps and reflection

• De-brief and report. Most workplaces have a process for incident reporting. Include what happened, how you responded, and any follow-up actions that were taken or recommended.

• Learn and tailor training. Scenarios like this highlight the value of ongoing training in first aid, emergency response, and mental health crisis de-escalation. If your organization offers short training sessions or drills, consider participating.

• Support the person’s safety continuum. Once the immediate crisis is over, there may be referrals to community resources, social supports, or mental health services. That kind of follow-up can be a key part of longer-term safety planning.

A few practical tips you can carry forward

• Carry a basic but well-stocked first aid kit. Include items for minor bleeding control and personal protective equipment. A simple trauma kit isn’t overkill in today’s environments.

• Keep a reliable line to EMS. A quick-dial list with your local emergency number (in Canada, 911) and internal security contacts saves precious seconds when every moment counts.

• Practice calm, non-judgmental communication. People in distress benefit from being heard. Your tone matters as much as your actions.

• Know your limits. If you’re not trained to handle a particular situation, it’s perfectly okay to escalate immediately and rely on professionals. Your primary duty is safety, not “doing it all.”

Ontario context: what this looks like on the ground

• Duty of care in action. Security personnel often serve as the first touchpoint in critical moments. Your responsibility isn’t to “fix” the person, but to connect them with the right help quickly and respectfully.

• Legal and ethical considerations. Respect for privacy, consent, and safety guidelines matters. If there’s potential self-harm, the priority is to ensure the person’s safety while involving medical professionals who can assess risk and provide care.

• Training matters. Many organizations in Ontario emphasize basic first aid, CPR, and mental health awareness. A little training goes a long way toward handling tough moments with empathy and efficiency.

Here’s the thing: it’s not about heroics

People often fear doing the wrong thing in a crisis. The truth is, a calm, prompt response beats a hesitant, improvised one. By calling for help and staying with the person (as long as it’s safe), you’re not just following a rule—you’re providing a steadying presence when someone feels overwhelmed and vulnerable. You’re also making a clear, responsible choice that helps protect everyone involved.

If you’re curious about how these moments fit into a broader security mindset, think of it like an on-site safety net. There are countless little decisions that add up: how you approach a potential hazard, how you communicate with a distressed individual, and how you coordinate with EMS to ensure a clean handoff. Each step matters, and each step has room for growth.

Closing thought

When a situation involves self-harm, the best course is simple and disciplined: call for help and wait with the person until medical assistance arrives. You’re not just buying time; you’re buying safety, dignity, and a pathway to real care. It’s a moment where training meets human restraint, and the right action speaks loudly without saying a word.

If you’re moving through this field, take these ideas to heart. Build your toolkit with practical skills, keep your communication crisp, and stay ready to act with both clarity and care. That combination is what makes a security role not just about presence, but about meaningful, responsible service to the community you serve.