RAPIDcare Caregiver Crisis Support Tool

About this tool

This RAPIDcare Caregiver Crisis Support Tool is designed for everyday people without formal training in psychological support who find themselves helping someone through a medical crisis or healthcare challenge. Built on the evidence-based RAPID psychological first aid framework (Reflective listening, Assessment, Prioritization, Intervention, Disposition), the tool provides real-time, structured guidance that helps caregivers offer meaningful emotional and practical support during overwhelming moments. It’s designed to bridge the gap between wanting to help and knowing how to help, making evidence-based psychological first aid accessible to anyone with a smartphone.

Important:

RAPIDcare is for general guidance only. It does not replace professional medical, psychological, or crisis care. If someone is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. PatientLead Health LLC provides information and support tools but does not deliver medical or mental health treatment.

RAPID Support – Caregiver Guidance
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Steady Support When It Matters Most

Step-by-step guidance for bringing calm and clarity to difficult healthcare moments

What is RAPID?

A structured approach for providing support during difficult moments. No expertise needed, just your caring presence.

Reflect Assess Prioritize Intervene Disposition

Who are you supporting?

This helps us customize the language and suggestions.

Where are you right now?

This helps us provide relevant resources and suggestions.

What type of support is needed?

We’ll adapt our guidance to the situation.

Immediate Danger?
If someone is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others:
Emergency Services 911
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Emotional Weather Check-In

How is the person you’re supporting feeling right now?

Recent pattern (last 24 hours):

No entries yet

Medical Team Communication

Scripts to help you advocate effectively.

Requesting Second Opinion Advocacy
When you need another perspective on treatment options:
“We appreciate everything you’ve done. Given the complexity of this situation, we’d like to get a second opinion to make sure we’re exploring all options. Can you help us arrange that or provide a referral?”
Slowing Down Decisions Advocacy
When feeling rushed to make important decisions:
“This is a lot to process. We need some time to think through these options and discuss with family. Can we have until tomorrow morning to give you our decision? What information should we consider in the meantime?”
Understanding Medical Terms Clarification
When medical jargon is overwhelming:
“I want to make sure I understand correctly. Can you explain that in simpler terms? What does this mean for day-to-day life?”
Confirming Treatment Plan Clarification
To ensure everyone’s on the same page:
“Let me make sure I understand the plan. [Summarize what you heard.] Is that correct? What should we watch for? When should we be concerned?”
Requesting Privacy Boundaries
When you need space with the patient:
“We appreciate your care. Could we have about 15 minutes alone? We’ll call if we need anything.”
Limiting Visitors Boundaries
When too many people are overwhelming the patient:
“We really appreciate everyone wanting to visit. Right now, [patient] needs rest and quiet. Can we set up a schedule so visits happen one or two at a time?”

Age-Appropriate Support

Focus on comfort and routine: Infants and toddlers respond to familiar voices, gentle touch, and maintaining routines as much as possible.
Parent as primary comfort: Keep parents close. Their presence is the most important intervention.
Sensory soothing: Soft blankets, familiar toys, gentle rocking, white noise, or soft music can help.

Communication Tips

  • Use a calm, sing-song voice even if the child doesn’t understand words
  • Maintain eye contact and smile when possible
  • Narrate what’s happening in simple, reassuring tones
  • Watch for cues: turning away, arching back, or clenched fists signal overwhelm

Family Communication Hub

Communication Roles

Assign family members to roles. Click “View Tasks” to see their specific responsibilities.

Primary Contact
Main liaison with medical team
Unassigned
Family Updater
Sends regular updates to extended family
Unassigned
Logistics Coordinator
Handles meals, transportation, practical needs
Unassigned
Emotional Support Lead
Focuses on patient’s emotional needs
Unassigned

Family Update Message

Fill in the fields below to create a consistent update for family members.

Mental Health Crisis Support

Immediate Crisis Support
If someone is at immediate risk of harm:
Emergency Services 911
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741

De-escalation Techniques

Evidence-based approaches while waiting for professional help:

TIPP Technique (for extreme distress)

  • Temperature: Apply cold water to face or hold ice
  • Intense exercise: 1-2 minutes of jumping jacks or fast walking
  • Paced breathing: Exhale longer than inhale (4 in, 6 out)
  • Paired muscle relaxation: Tense and release muscle groups

What to Say

“I’m here with you”
“You matter to me”
“Let’s get through this together”
“What would help you feel safer right now?”

Specialized Support Lines

LGBTQ+ Youth Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386
Postpartum Support PSI Helpline
1-800-944-4773
Substance Use SAMHSA
1-800-662-4357
Domestic Violence National Hotline
1-800-799-7233
R
Reflect
A
Assess
P
Prioritize
I
Intervene
D
Disposition

Session Complete

Here’s a summary of your support session.

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