What is a Ligature incident?

Ligature incidents refer to situations where an individual uses a ligature, typically a rope, cord, ligature knife or other materials to self-harm or attempt suicide. These incidents may happen in various settings, including mental health units, correctional services, schools, hospitals and even within private homes.

What are Ligature Knives?

Ligature knives are a type of specialized tools which is designed to quickly and safely cut ligatures or seat belt-type restraints without posing any risk to the operator or the individual who is being restrained.

What are the key points to consider in a ligature incident?

• Risk Factors: certain factors can increase the likelihood of ligature incidents, including mental health issues, substance abuse, previous self-harm attempts and environmental factors such as access to ligature points.
• Warning Signs: recognizing warning signs is essential to identify individuals who may be at risk of a ligature incident.
• Prevention Measures: implementing preventative measures is crucial to minimize the risk of ligature incidents.
• Response and Intervention: in the event of a ligature incident, prompt, appropriate and efficient response is essential.
• Post-Incident Support: following a ligature incident, it is crucial to provide necessary support and care to the individual involved as well as the staff members, family and witnesses who may have been affected.

What warning signs are there that an individual may be at risk of self-harm using ligature tools?

Recognizing warning signs is crucial in identifying any individuals who may be at risk of self-harm or suicide attempt using short ligatures or ligature knows; a few warning signs may be:

1. Behavioural Changes: look out for any significant changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal from social events and activities, isolating oneself or sudden mood swings.
2. Verbal Cues: pay attention to any verbal cues or statements that express feelings of helplessness, hopelessness or a desire to not live anymore.
3. Preoccupation with death or suicide: individuals at risk may frequently talk about death, dying or suicide.
4. Giving away belongings: sometimes, individuals contemplating self-harm may give away their personal belongings or make arrangements for the future as if they do not expect to be around.
5. Sudden changes in appearance: individuals at risk of self-harm may exhibit sudden changes in their physical appearance, such as neglecting hygiene, drastic weight gain or weight loss or a change in clothing style.
6. Social withdrawal: individuals who have self-harm or suicidal thoughts often withdraw from social activities, isolate themselves from family and friends and avoid interactions.
7. Previous history of self-harm: individuals who have a history of self-harm and/ or suicide attempts are at an increased risk of engaging in self-harm again or try to attempt suicide.

What communication strategies are effective when faced with a ligature incident?

• Active listening
• Use open-ended questions
• Reflective listening
• Non-verbal communication
• Respect personal space
• Tone and Voice
• Validate feelings
• Offer reassurance and support
• Avoid judgement and criticism
• Safety Planning

Just a note:

Doing an online Ligature Rescue and the use of Ligature Knives Course with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD Point. Once you have completed the course, you would receive a certificate thereof.