URGENT In any urgent situation – when you, a colleague or a family member could be in jeopardy – call for professional and confidential help immediately.
For urgent situations, employees and their families should get help immediately by calling Canada Post’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) at 1‑866‑565‑4903.
EFAP is provided by Homewood Health, which has a crisis management support team with certified mental health responders available to you and your family members.
This service is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In an emergency, call 911.
If you’re made aware of an immediate suicide risk (direct threats)
In addition to 911, Canada’s national 9‑8‑8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is also available to call or text, in English and French, 24/7, across the country. Visit 988.ca for more information.
BE DIRECT: Do not be afraid to ask the employee direct questions. While expressing concern, ask “Are you thinking of suicide?” and “Have you made any plans to kill yourself?” or “Have you harmed yourself today/do you plan to?”
- Do not leave the employee alone.
- Call 911, then the Area Performance Centre and your team leader.
- Call building security, if applicable.
- Confirm the employee’s name, location and phone number.
- Call 911, then the Area Performance Centre and your team leader.
- Confirm the employee’s name, location and phone number (if provided).
- Call 911, then the Area Performance Centre and your team leader.
For a non-immediate risk (person doesn’t appear in imminent danger):
- Offer to contact EFAP at 1‑866‑565‑4903 or 9‑8‑8: Suicide Crisis Helpline on their behalf if the employee is with you in person.
- If the employee is on the phone, contact EFAP or 9‑8‑8 through a three-way call.
- Once you have made contact with EFAP or 9‑8‑8, identify yourself, explain your reason for calling and express your concerns about the well-being of the employee. Let the employee talk with the counsellor. Once they are talking, you should leave the call.