Firearm and Means Safety

Note: This content is derived from the 2024 VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide. For the latest clinical practice guideline for this condition, visit https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/srb/VADoD-CPG-Suicide-Risk-Full-CPG-2024_Final_508.pdf

Health care providers should talk with their patients about firearm safety procedures as well as other means safety procedures (e.g., safe medication storage) on a regular basis.

Resources and clinical support tools are available to help health care providers and military leaders develop competence in discussing firearm and means safety.