If at all possible have continuous physical alert presence with them. Like only alone in a stripped bathroom for short potty breaks.

Get them off or remove possibility of any meds or drugs or similar "coping" tools. Same with music or media they use to fuel any internal narratives.

Let them talk. Don't argue or tell them they are wrong or hurting others etc for the first 24 hours unless absolutely trying to stop an immediate life endangerment. Just let them get it all out. May go from dead silent to a torrent so be patient.

Keep your own cool and calm, but don't be afraid to show real empathy or understanding- watch for danger of co-signing off on victim status or refusal to own choices or deflection though. Tricky lines.

Have simple nourishing foodstuffs easily served in small portions that will not distract you in preparing- like broth or toast- once they are in a place to eat something. They may go a few days or more with no appetite for many reasons, but at least keep them hydrated.

Find or bring "lovies"- comfort items like a fuzzy throw or heating pad or squishie ball etc- as this can filter in past almost any trauma state to sooth.

When the time comes that they can listen, have real personal silver linings and better or wiser after badness examples to fill the void.

If at all humanly possible have a team ready to spell each other, and all on same page on approach and alertness.

Don't be afraid to call a helpline for live backup or advice.

And most important: thank you for caring enough to be thinking about helping another in crisis.

Of at all possible have continuous physical alert presence with them. Like only alone in a stripped bathroom for short potty breaks.

Get them off or remove possibility of any meds or drugs or similar "coping" tools. Same with music or media they use to fuel any internal narratives.

Let them talk. Don't argue or tell them they are wrong or hurting others etc for the first 24 hours unless absolutely trying to stop an immediate life endangerment. Just let them get it all out. May go from dead silent to a torrent so be patient.

Keep your own cool and calm, but don't be afraid to show real empathy or understanding- watch for danger of co-signing off on victim status or regusal to own choices or deflection though. Tricky lines.

Have simple nourishing foodstuffs easily served in small portions that will not distract you in preparing- like broth or toast- once they are in a place to eat something. Thry may go a few days or more with no appetite for many reasons, but at least keep thrm hydrated.

Find or bring "lovies"- comfort items like a fuzzy throw or heating pad or squishie ball etc- as this can filter in past almost any trauma state to sooth.

When the time comes that they can listen, have real personal silver linings and better or wiser after badness examples to fill the void.

If at all humanly possible have a team ready to spell each other, and all on same page on approach and alertness.

Don't be afraid to call a helpline for live backup or advice.

And most important: thank you for caring enough to be thinking about helping another in crisis.