In suicide risk assessment, which item indicates immediate risk and should guide urgent action?

• A. Immediacy of risk
• B. Past attempts
• C. Protective factors
• D. Access to lethal means

Answer: (A)

Immediacy of risk is the key factor that tells you danger could happen now and thus requires urgent action. If someone has a concrete plan with a specific time frame and the means to act soon, the risk is imminent, and you must intervene right away to ensure safety—this might mean crisis contact, safety planning, or emergency evaluation.

Past attempts show vulnerability and elevate overall risk over time, but they don’t by themselves indicate that harm is about to occur in the near term. Protective factors (like solid support or coping skills) can reduce risk, but their presence doesn’t override the need for urgent action when immediacy is present. Access to lethal means is a critical safety concern, and while removing means is important, it’s the combination of intent, plan, and timing that makes the risk immediate.