How Suicide Prevention Products Work
How Suicide Prevention Blankets And Smocks Can Keep Your Facility Safe and Secure
Being in an environment where suicide rates are high, such as prisons, hospitals, and mental health facilities means that preventative measures must be taken to minimize risk as much as possible. Those in high-risk suicide environments can find creative ways to end their life and many of the ways in which they use are preventable via anti-suicide products.
Fortunately, there are items available which can assist in curbing the suicide rate and reducing the risk for individuals. These products can save lives, allowing more time for mental health treatment and therapy, and are of great value in many situations where suicide prevention is needed.
In this article, we will go over some of the suicide prevention products on the market today, and get into detail with respect to how they operate and what their specific functions are. All products below are designed with suicide prevention in mind.
What are Suicide Prevention Products
Suicide prevention products are exactly as described. They are products which are specifically designed to minimize the risk of suicide amongst higher risk individuals. There are multiple products available and these products are typically used for military personnel, inmates, and those who are on suicide watch in mental health facilities.
This includes:
- Blankets
- Smocks
- Helmets
- Tear-resistant clothing
- Tear-resistant bed sheets
What Are the Benefits of Having Them in Correctional Facilities?
The benefits of having suicide blankets and other similar products in correctional facilities is to prevent and minimize the risk of suicide.
The majority of those in correctional facilities attempt suicide with available bedding or clothing to hang themselves while alone in their cells. These products are specifically designed to make tying nooses virtually impossible. They are usually made of nylon Cordura, which is a very tough material that is approximately 10 times stronger than jeans. This material cannot be torn and is so thick that they can’t be folded or rolled into cords.
What Types of Products Are on The Market?
There are several different types of products available on the market. From clothing to blankets to helmets, which are all items designed specifically with one goal in mind. To prevent suicide in high risk situations. Below, we explore some of the available options and their functions.
Blankets
Suicide blankets are designed to prevent inmates and detained individuals from creating nooses. These blankets are typically made of simple and sturdy quilted nylon or material which is reinforced in a similar way. The stiffness of the blanket makes it impossible to roll or fold without constant pressure. They provide warmth and act as a regular blanket without the risk of the wearer tying them into knots or nooses.
Smocks
Anti-suicide smocks are made with the same material and work similarly to blankets. They are a collarless and sleeveless gown with adjustable openings at the shoulders and down the front which are closed with nylon hooks and loops or similar fasteners. The thickness of the garment makes it impossible to roll or fold the material into a noose. These smocks provide warmth without impeding the mobility of the person wearing it.
Clothing
Suicide prevention clothing can be worn by anyone who is considered at risk of harming themselves while detained. The article of clothing is made of a high-strength fabric consisting of an outer layer of tear-free material, an inner layer of soft material and a third layer of insulating material between the outer and inner layers, which provides bulk to the fabric. Sleeves detach to present the wearer from injuring themselves.
Helmets
Suicide prevention helmets provide those who attempt suicide by striking their heads with protection. These helmets are comfortable to wear and effective in reducing the risk of injury. There are air ventilation holes which allow for full ventilation without compromising head coverage. They feature shock absorbing foam which retains compression resistance and breakdown from multiple impacts. The adjustable chin strap also has a secure snap closure making it easy to open and close.
How Do These Products Work?
As previously mentioned, these products work by making it far more difficult for those attempting or considering suicide attempts to be successful in their plight. While suicide cannot always be prevented 100% of the time, these items provide an additional level of safety and, in many cases, make it nearly impossible for someone to use standard methods of in a place of incarceration.
It’s a Matter of Safety and Prevention
Suicide prevention products can greatly decrease suicide rates in specific environments. For those in higher risk situations, these products can save countless lives and buy additional time for those who need them to get the mental health therapy they require. For more information, reach out to your local manufacturer to discuss opportunities for your facilities.
