Be an ACE: save a wingman's life

  • Published
  • By Maj. Melissa Gould
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  September is Suicide Prevention Month. With recent PCS moves, preparation for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection, a new school year underway, and continuing deployment and redeployments, now is an excellent time to review the basics on how to be an effective wingman to your family members, co-workers or trainees. 

"We want our Airmen to be able to ask questions of their friends and co-workers when they see signs of distress, to care for their wingmen by listening attentively and showing care and concern, and finally, to escort those at risk for suicide to a Mental Health provider, chaplain or other helping agency," stated Lt. Col. Michael Kindt, director of the Air Force's Suicide Prevention program. "Suicide prevention is not just a mental health problem, but a community problem. Everyone has a role to play in preventing this tragedy." 

According to Colonel Kindt, the key word all Airmen need to remember for suicide prevention is "ACE," the acronym for "Ask - Care - Escort." Practicing ACE can save lives when overwhelming social and emotional difficulties arise. 

Ask questions to find out how the distressed person is coping. How has the situation affected the individual? How are they sleeping, eating and socializing? How has the problem affected their work and personal relationships? Are they hopeful or hopeless to resolve the problem? Asking the person directly if they've had thoughts about taking their life and if they have a plan. They will appreciate your concern and that you asked the difficult question. 

Care about the individual through your verbal and non-verbal communication. "It is common in today's military with high ops tempo, deployment demands, constant transitions impacting relationships, and doing more with less, to feel overwhelmed and stretched too thin," said Dr. (Capt.) Beth McGraw, 60th Medical Operations Squadron psychologist and Suicide Prevention program manager. "We're all in this together, therefore we need to take time to listen to each other and care for one another." 

According to Dr. McGraw, you can show that you care by encouraging a person to talk about their feelings, acknowledge their distress and provide hope by directing them to resources that can help them solve their problems. Assure them you will help them get the help they need. 

Escort the person to the appropriate agency that can best address their concerns, such as the Mental Health Clinic, Emergency Room, ADAPT, Family Advocacy, Legal office, Chaplain, Airman and Family Readiness Center, or first sergeant. 

"Never leave the person alone if they are suicidal," explained Dr. McGraw. "Contact your first shirt or commander immediately and they can help you get the individual to a mental health provider as quickly as possible." 

By asking, caring and escorting the distressed individual to assistance, you will be an "ACE" in suicide prevention efforts that could save a wingman' s life. Spread the word: Share this information with the Airmen you supervise. Good leadership is good prevention! 

For more information, contact the Mental Health Clinic at (707) 423-5174.