SCENE SAFETY
Question: What is the very first step when arriving at a crisis scene?
Answer: Assess for personal and team safety before exiting the vehicle.
Question: What is the national 3-digit number anyone can call for immediate suicide or mental-health help?
Answer: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Question: What does HIPAA primarily protect?
Answer: A client’s protected health information (PHI) and privacy.
Question: What does the “HALT” check-in stand for when noticing stress signs?
Answer: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
Question: Who has been with the Mobile Crisis Response Team the longest?
SAMANTHA
Question: Name two visible indicators that a scene may be unsafe (before you even knock on the door).
Answer: Aggressive yelling, weapons or drug paraphernalia visible, crowd gathering, erratic movement inside, etc.
Question: Name one 24/7 crisis stabilization facility in our county where clients can be taken voluntarily.
Answer: [Insert your local facility, e.g., Garden Gate Respite / Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU)].
Question: Name the three legal criteria required for an involuntary psychiatric hold (e.g., 5150 in CA).
Answer: Danger to self, danger to others, or grave disability due to mental illness.
Question: Name one quick grounding technique you can use in the field between calls.
Answer: Examples: Box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 senses scan, progressive muscle relaxation.
Question: How many languages are spoken collectively by our entire team?
CAMBODIAN, SPANISH,VIETNAMIZE,ENGLISH
Question: Before entering a client’s home, what communication step should you take with your partner or dispatch?
Answer: Radio or phone check-in with location and status.
Question: Which community partner provides shelter and counseling for domestic violence survivors?
Answer: [Insert local agency, e.g., Haven Women’s Center or county-specific DV shelter].
Question: When can MCRT share limited client information with law enforcement without a signed release of information (ROI)?
Answer: When it is necessary to prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to the health or safety of the client or others (duty to warn/mandated reporting).
Question: According to agency policy, how often should team members take formal breaks during a 12-hour shift?
Answer: At least two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute meal break (or your local contract requirement).
Question: Which team member is known for always bringing snacks or coffee to long shifts?
nINA, SARINA, JULIE, MIRIAM
Question: If a client suddenly escalates and blocks the exit, what is the first action to maintain safety?
Answer: Maintain calm verbal de-escalation while positioning yourself near an exit and calling for backup if needed.
Question: If a client needs detox or sobering services, which program can MCRT call for immediate placement?
Answer: [Insert local detox/sobering center, e.g., Behavioral Health Recovery Services Detox].
Question: What document must be completed immediately after any use of physical restraint or law-enforcement involvement?
Answer: The agency’s Critical Incident Report (or local equivalent) and appropriate Beacon/SmartCare documentation.
Question: What is the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout?
Answer: Compassion fatigue is secondary traumatic stress from client exposure; burnout is chronic workplace stress with exhaustion and detachment.
Question: What is the most common favorite self-care activity based on our team survey?
NAILS, BEADS, PUZZLES,
Question: During a field visit you hear loud arguing inside and suspect domestic violence. What is the correct procedure before making contact?
Answer: Wait in a safe location, request law-enforcement support, and follow agency protocol for coordinated entry.
Question: What organization offers wraparound support—including housing, case management, and employment assistance—for people experiencing serious mental illness?
Answer: [Insert your county’s Full Service Partnership (FSP) provider or Telecare if applicable].
Question: Under state law, who has the legal authority to initiate an involuntary hold, and what is the time limit for the initial detention?
Answer: Designated clinicians/peace officers (depending on jurisdiction); the hold generally lasts up to 72 hours for evaluation.
Question: List three evidence-based practices that reduce long-term vicarious trauma for crisis workers.
Answer: Regular supervision/debriefing, peer support groups, therapy or EAP, consistent sleep routine, physical activity (any three).
Question: Which staff member once [funny/unique fact: e.g., “helped deliver a baby on a call,” “ran a marathon,” “appeared on local news”]?
?