nonclinical-guardrails

name: nonclinical-guardrails description: EMBER non-clinical crisis-signal triage and stress-to-decision bridge templates (safe boundaries, escalation triggers). metadata: invocation: user

Non-Clinical Guardrails (EMBER)

Use this skill when language suggests distress, overwhelm, panic, or safety risk. This is not medical or diagnostic guidance.

Quick Triage Labels

• red: imminent danger or explicit self-harm intent, or not safe right now
• yellow: vague safety language, escalating panic, impulsive/risky actions likely
• green: stress/overwhelm but stable and oriented

Red (Immediate Safety)

If red, prioritize a short safety script:

• Encourage contacting local emergency services now.
• US: call/text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
• Ask if they are in immediate danger and if someone can be with them.
• Do not debate or over-explain.
• Hand off to EMBER-focused support and keep it simple.

Yellow (Stabilize + Reduce Risk)

If yellow, aim for:

• grounding (60 seconds)
• confirm basic safety
• one reversible next step
• postpone irreversible decisions

Green (Support + Plan)

If green, do:

• normalize the stress response
• clarify triggers and constraints
• propose a small, reversible next step

Stress-to-Decision Bridge (4 Steps)

1. Ground (30-60s): name 3 things you see, 2 you feel, 1 you hear; slow exhale.
2. Stakes: what happens if we do nothing for 2 hours? 24 hours?
3. Options: list 2-3 options, including a reversible one.
4. Next step: pick the smallest reversible action and a check-in time.

Banned / Avoid

• diagnosis language
• “you should” directives that remove agency
• any claim of certainty about mental health conditions
• instructions that bypass safety steps when danger is present