Mental Health Crisis Response Course for Guards 2026

This course is for security guards and front-line staff in Canada who meet people in emotional distress or a mental health crisis. It covers recognizing a crisis and suicide warning signs, calm and respectful communication, when to call 9-1-1, 9-8-8 or 211, and the limits of a guard's role.

  • Formation
  • Canada
  • 25 questions
  • Vérifié le 11 octobre 2026

En bref

Ce cours gratuit comprend environ 30 minutes de leçons et un test de 25 questions. Obtenez 80 % ou plus pour télécharger une attestation de réussite (privée, non accréditée). Vérifié à partir des sources officielles le 11 octobre 2026.

Commencez par les leçonsMental Health Crisis Response Course: Lessons : environ 30 minutes de lecture. Chaque question du test est traitée dans les leçons.

Ce que vous allez apprendre

  • Recognize signs of a mental health crisis and suicide warning signs
  • Use calm, respectful communication and active listening
  • Choose the right help: 9-1-1, 9-8-8 or 211
  • Explain the limits of a security guard's role in mental health situations
  • Write factual reports and protect the person's privacy

Obtenez 80 % ou plus pour télécharger votre certificat.

  1. Question 1 sur 25

    What is 9-8-8 in Canada?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: B. The Suicide Crisis Helpline, by call or text

    9-8-8 is Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline. People can call or text any time, day or night.

  2. Question 2 sur 25

    When did the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline launch across Canada?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: B. November 30, 2023

    The Government of Canada launched 9-8-8 on November 30, 2023.

  3. Question 3 sur 25

    In which languages can people get help from 9-8-8?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: C. English and French

    9-8-8 offers support in English and French, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

  4. Question 4 sur 25

    Can you contact 9-8-8 if you are worried about someone else?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: A. Yes, it also helps people worried about someone

    9-8-8 helps people in crisis and people who are concerned about someone else.

  5. Question 5 sur 25

    A person is standing on a parking garage ledge and says they will jump. What should you do first?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: B. Call 9-1-1, because there is immediate danger

    When someone's life is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 right away. 9-8-8 is for support when there is no immediate danger.

  6. Question 6 sur 25

    Does asking someone directly whether they are thinking about suicide increase their risk?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: D. No, asking will not increase the risk

    The Public Health Agency of Canada says asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will not increase the risk.

  7. Question 7 sur 25

    Which of these is a warning sign of suicide?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: A. Giving away possessions and saying goodbye

    Warning signs include giving away possessions, saying goodbye, withdrawing from others and talk of having no reason to live.

  8. Question 8 sur 25

    A tenant tells you they feel trapped and like a burden to everyone. What do these statements suggest?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: B. Possible suicide warning signs to take seriously

    Feeling like a burden, trapped or hopeless are warning signs. Show you care and connect them to help such as 9-8-8.

  9. Question 9 sur 25

    What is a mental health crisis?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: D. When distress overwhelms a person's ability to cope

    A crisis is about overwhelming distress and loss of coping, not a diagnosis. Anyone can go through one.

  10. Question 10 sur 25

    A person says voices are telling them people in the lobby want to hurt them. What is the best response?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: D. Acknowledge their fear without arguing about the voices

    Arguing about what a person hears usually increases fear. Acknowledge their feelings, speak calmly and focus on safety.

  11. Question 11 sur 25

    How should you begin talking with a person in crisis?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: D. Say your name, ask theirs, and speak slowly in a calm voice

    A calm, simple, personal start builds trust. A person in crisis may struggle to take in many words at once.

  12. Question 12 sur 25

    Why should you give a person in crisis extra personal space?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: A. Crowding can feel threatening and raise fear

    Extra space lowers the sense of threat. Avoid sudden moves and do not block their way out unless safety requires it.

  13. Question 13 sur 25

    A person says, "Nobody listens to me." Which reply shows active listening?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: C. "It sounds like you feel ignored. Tell me what happened."

    Reflecting back what you hear shows you are listening and helps the person feel understood.

  14. Question 14 sur 25

    In Alberta, who may apprehend a person under section 12 of the Mental Health Act and take them for a medical examination?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: C. A peace officer, such as police

    Section 12 gives this power to peace officers. A private security guard should call police when this may be needed.

  15. Question 15 sur 25

    A person in distress is holding a knife and talking about hurting themselves. What should you do?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: D. Keep your distance, call 9-1-1 and keep talking if safe

    Your safety and theirs come first. Keep distance, get police and EMS coming, and avoid any move that could cause harm.

  16. Question 16 sur 25

    Which way of describing someone uses respectful, person-first language?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: D. A person living with schizophrenia

    Person-first language describes the condition as something a person has, not who they are. Slurs increase stigma.

  17. Question 17 sur 25

    A person is sweaty, shaky, confused and acting strangely. What is important to remember?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: C. Some medical problems can look like a mental health crisis

    Some medical emergencies cause confusion or odd behaviour. When in doubt, call 9-1-1 so EMS can assess the person.

  18. Question 18 sur 25

    Which notebook entry is the most professional?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: B. "Female, about 30, crying and shouting near entrance at 14:10."

    Record what you saw and heard. Do not guess a diagnosis or use labels; you are not qualified to diagnose.

  19. Question 19 sur 25

    A person in crisis is not in danger but needs community support, such as housing or counselling services. Which service can help find them?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: C. 211

    211 is a free, confidential service that connects people with community and social services, including mental health support.

  20. Question 20 sur 25

    Another tenant asks you what was wrong with the person who was taken to hospital. What should you do?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: A. Keep it private; share only with those who need to know

    Health information is private. Share it only with responders, your supervisor and others who need it for their duties.

  21. Question 21 sur 25

    When there is no immediate danger, why can slowing things down help?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: B. It gives the person time to calm down

    Rushing can raise stress. When safety allows, time and patience often lower the intensity of a crisis.

  22. Question 22 sur 25

    A person in crisis says they do not want police involved. They are not a danger to anyone. Which response is most helpful?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: A. Offer to call 9-8-8 together or call someone they trust

    Offering choices respects the person and may help them accept support. Call 9-1-1 if the risk changes.

  23. Question 23 sur 25

    What should you do for yourself after a difficult crisis call?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: B. Debrief with your supervisor and use supports like an EAP

    Hard calls affect everyone. Debriefing and using available support help you stay healthy and effective.

  24. Question 24 sur 25

    Which is a good reason to avoid touching a person in crisis without asking?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: D. Unexpected touch can feel threatening

    Many people in crisis feel unsafe. Ask first and explain what you are doing, unless you must act to prevent immediate harm.

  25. Question 25 sur 25

    If a person in crisis shows signs they may become violent, what does CCOHS advise about entering an unsafe situation?
    Voir la réponse

    Réponse: C. Do not go in if you feel threatened or unsafe

    CCOHS advises workers not to enter situations where they feel threatened. Step back, get help and call 9-1-1 if needed.

À savoir avant l’examen

  • 9-8-8, Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline, launched on November 30, 2023. People can call or text 24/7 in English or French.
  • If someone's life is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
  • Asking someone if they are thinking about suicide will not increase their risk.
  • In Alberta, section 12 of the Mental Health Act lets a peace officer apprehend a person for examination when strict conditions are met. Security guards do not have this power.
  • 211 connects people to community services, including mental health supports, for free.

Questions fréquentes

Should I call 9-1-1 or 9-8-8?

Call 9-1-1 if anyone is in immediate danger, including a person who may hurt themselves right now. 9-8-8 is for support when a person is thinking about suicide or is in distress but not in immediate danger.

Can a security guard force someone to go to hospital?

No. In Alberta, for example, the power to apprehend a person under the Mental Health Act belongs to peace officers such as police. A guard calls 9-1-1 and keeps people safe until they arrive.

What if I say the wrong thing?

Being calm, honest and caring matters more than perfect words. Listen, do not argue, and connect the person with trained help.

Does this course teach me to diagnose mental illness?

No. Guards should describe what they see and hear, not guess a diagnosis.

L’attestation est-elle accréditée ou reconnue officiellement ?

Non. C’est une attestation de réussite privée, uniquement pour vos connaissances. Elle n’est reconnue, accréditée ni approuvée par aucun gouvernement, organisme de délivrance des permis, autorité de réglementation ou établissement d’enseignement, et elle ne remplace aucun permis, aucune certification ni aucune formation exigés par la loi.

Sources

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