Again...(we are repeating this item) Thanks to Jan and Steve Ulrich in Kentucky, we have secured permission from *Midas Records* to replicate and distribute, to all QPR Instructors who want one, Emerson Drive's new hit music video "Moments." This powerful and moving music video is "right on target" for the QPR message. We tested the video with great success with a group of 90 people in Yakima, Washington. The three main messages are: caring matters, warning signs can be recognized and anyone can reach out and prevent a suicide.

We don't know if the homeless man in the video is using QPR but he could be. The video can be used as an opening or closing tool. To view the video and hear the song, visit here. To get a copy of this for training purposes, contact Kathy at (888) 726-7926 or email. We wish to thank Emerson Drive and the country music industry for joining all of us in this important national mission.

1. Breathe, Ttake a moment to compose your thoughts. Engage brain before mouth!
2. Empathize. When a gatekeeper asks a question about the death of someone they know (that is they are a survivor), begin with an empathic statement. It will not only convey your concern, but it may “defuse” the situation.
3. Avoid “Yes or No” answers. You can’t win, so don’t take sides when the question presents a choice between polar opposites (yes or no; right or wrong, etc.).
4. Relieve the guilt of 20/20 hindsight. Remember the phrase, “You can’t be responsible for things that you didn’t know how to do at the time.” Or, “We are only responsible to do what we know to do when it needs to be done, not for something we will learn to do in the future.”
5. Never increase the guilt of a survivor. Remember that although 90% do communicate their intent, 10% do not. Suicide is among the hardest behaviors to predict and we should never make it sound easy. Doing so will increase the guilt of survivors.
6. Expand the Support Network. If they won’t talk to you, who might they talk to? Who else can help?
7. Never put a Gatekeeper in danger! Never a give a response that might put a Gatekeeper in harm’s way. This includes taking away or handling guns, confronting potentially violent or abusive individuals, being in the room with someone with a weapon, etc.
8. Never give permission to attempt/complete suicide. This may come up with assisted suicide or religious belief questions. Never say “there may be times…” or “God is compassionate and understands…” Don’t make it easier for the suicidal-receptive person to take their own life.
9. Steer clear of religious questions (e.g. “If you complete suicide, will you ever go to heaven?”) This is another possible no-win situation. In addition, there are varying beliefs. Best to refer to a religious leader.
10. Reinforce the “take home messages” of QPR. Questions are an opportunity to reinforce our main messages (suicidal people don’t want to die, treatment is available, plant the seeds of hope, etc.). Repetition is a key to learning, so use questions as an opportunity to repeat our main messages.