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.
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.
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.
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Question 1 sur 25
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.
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Question 2 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: B. November 30, 2023
The Government of Canada launched 9-8-8 on November 30, 2023.
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Question 3 sur 25
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.
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Question 4 sur 25
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.
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Question 5 sur 25
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.
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Question 6 sur 25
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.
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Question 7 sur 25
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.
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Question 8 sur 25
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.
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Question 9 sur 25
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.
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Question 10 sur 25
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.
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Question 11 sur 25
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.
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Question 12 sur 25
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.
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Question 13 sur 25
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.
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Question 14 sur 25
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.
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Question 15 sur 25
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.
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Question 16 sur 25
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.
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Question 17 sur 25
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.
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Question 18 sur 25
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.
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Question 19 sur 25
Voir la réponse
Réponse: C. 211
211 is a free, confidential service that connects people with community and social services, including mental health support.
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Question 20 sur 25
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.
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Question 21 sur 25
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.
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Question 22 sur 25
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.
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Question 23 sur 25
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.
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Question 24 sur 25
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.
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Question 25 sur 25
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.
Clavier : 1–4 pour répondre, Entrée pour la question suivante.
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
- 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- Suicide warning signs and how to help (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Guide to Alberta's Mental Health Act (Alberta Health Services)
- 211 Canada
- Violence in the workplace (CCOHS)
- Canadian Red Cross First Aid & CPR learner guide (2025)