Firefighter in reflective gear sitting beside a fire truck, looking pensive in a dim garage.
OBS 8 First Responders badge with law enforcement and fire rescue emblems, blue and gold with red banner

OBSERVATION ROOM 8 (OBS 8)

PROTOCOL FOR FIRST RESPONDERS IN CRISIS

Removing barriers & providing access to immediate, safe, and effective mental health care for First Responders

In collaboration with UofL Health, we developed the OBS 8 Protocol for First Responders in crisis. This backdoor process enables first responders privacy and confidentiality when seeking care for suicidal ideation. This process is only available for first responders.


Why This Protocol Matters

First responders face extraordinary psychological demands that accumulate over their careers. The OBS 8 Protocol recognizes that those who protect our communities deserve dignified, confidential care when they reach a crisis point.


This specialized pathway provides immediate access to mental health services while preserving the privacy and dignity that first responders need. By creating a discrete entry point and dedicated room for care, barriers are removed and stigma is reduced which might prevent someone from seeking life-saving help.

This Protocol can be activated by anyone accessing care for a first responder in crisis. This includes:

  • The person in crisis
  • Peer Supporters
  • Family Members
  • Chaplains
  • Coworkers
  • Supervisors and Chiefs
  • Transporting Police or Fire Departments

How to initiate OBS 8 Protocol

Step 1:

Call 502-562-3120

First Responder or Peer Supporter calls the charge nurse to

notify them that an OBS 8 protocol is being activated and

provide an ETA.


Step 2:

Preserving Dignity & Privacy

Arrive at UofL Health and use the private Chestnut Street entrance, avoiding the ER. This allows responders to maintain confidentiality during their most vulnerable moments. Call charge nurse again notifying then of your arrival.


Step 3:
Nursing & Security will greet responder and perform a quick search for safety.


Step 4:
Responder will be escorted to Private Room. Peer supporter

is encouraged to stay, if present.


Step 5:
Registration will register responder in your Private Room,

Observation Room 8 (or other nearby rooms).


Step 6:
Care team will come to your Private Room to provide

evaluation & recommendations for next steps.

Do’s...

  • Wear clothes without strings or belts


  • Wear slip on shoes, no laces


  • Bring a list of prescribed medications


  • Please make sure the responder has secured any weapons prior to coming to the hospital.

Don’ts...

  • Bring any property except your wallet and cell phone if desired


  • Be in a hurry, we want to be thorough and take great care of you.

Good things to Know...


  • Your name will not appear on electronic tracking board.


  • First Responders may only have one person with them, typically Peer Support, but a family member (if deemed appropriate) could stay instead.


  • Based on doctor’s assessment, the responder may need to be medically cared for in addition to being seen by a psychiatrist.


  • Labs may be drawn to help determine medical needs.


  • If the responder is deemed a risk to self or others, they be placed on a security hold and prevented from leaving until discharged by a doctor.


  • If the responder needs to be admitted to an inpatient unit, referred to outpatient, or requires any other follow-up care we will arrange that with places that have been vetted by our committee.

The OBS 8 Protocol Addresses the Critical Mental Health Needs of First Responders by:


  • Preserving Dignity & Privacy - Discrete entry avoids the main ER, allowing responders to maintain confidentiality during their most vulnerable moments


  • Removing Barriers to Care - The stigma around mental health in first responder culture often prevents people from seeking help. This dedicated pathway makes it easier to take that crucial first step


  • Preventing Tragedy - First responders experience cumulative trauma that can lead to crisis. Having an immediate, clear pathway to professional care can be life-saving


  • Recognizing Occupational Injury - This protocol treats mental health crises as what they are: legitimate occupational injuries requiring professional treatment, just like physical injuries


  • Supporting Families & Departments - By providing rapid access to care, this protocol protects not just the individual but their entire support system


  • Removing Isolation - You are not alone and we stand ready to assist you in finding care. We understand because we have been where you are and we know the path to recovery isn't easy.
Two hands clasped in a supportive handshake against a blurred background

Take Our Wellness Questionnaire....


Mood Emotional Strain

  • Are you feeling down, numb, irritable, or burned out?
  • Are you overwhelmed to the point it’s hard to reset or function?


Safety Concerns

  • Have you had thoughts of harming yourself or wishing you weren’t here?
  • Are you thinking about death, or how you might die?
  • Do you feel others would be better off without you or that you’re a burden?
  • Are your thoughts becoming more intense or harder to control?


Substance Abuse

  • Are you using alcohol or substances to cope or get you through a shift?
  • Have you noticed your use increasing or becoming harder to control?
  • Do you feel you need substances to relax, sleep, or function?
  • Are you using in situations where it may impact your safety or performance?


Work & Performance

  • Are you having difficulty focusing or making decisions in critical moments?
  • Are you concerned about your ability to perform safely?


Trauma & Stress Reactions

  • Are you having flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories?
  • Do you feel constantly “on guard” or unable to relax – even off duty?


Behavioral & Cognitive Changes

  • Are you more irritable, impulsive, or reacting more strongly than usual?
  • Are you noticing significant changes in sleep, energy, or concentration?
  • Do you feel detached, disconnected, or not like yourself?


Connection & Support

  • Are you withdrawing from others or isolating more than usual?
  • Do you feel alone or without support?
  • Have others expressed concerns regarding your mental health or use of substances?