What is on the card
One half has the ACE steps for helping someone who may be suicidal. Ask the question directly and calmly, and if the answer is yes, ask about a plan and the means. Care: listen, hold back judgment, and recognize when it is serious. Escort: connect the person to a crisis line, clergy or a counselor, and stay with them if it is safe.
The other half has the numbers. 911 is for immediate danger, and 988, by call or text, is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Veterans and service members can dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. The national sexual assault and domestic violence hotlines are there too, and 211 for local services.
The words come from Community Stress First Aid, shortened to fit. The numbers are the ones the app lists, checked on 22 August 2026.
How to make it
Print the PDF at 100% on US Letter. Card stock holds up better in a wallet. Cut around one dashed strip, then fold it on the dotted line with the printing outside. There are four cards on the page, so there are spares for a partner, a team or a youth group.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ACE model?
Ask, Care, Escort: three steps the US military and veterans’ services teach for helping someone who may be suicidal. Ask the question directly, listen without judgment, and get the person to help, staying with them if it’s safe. The steps work for anyone, not only service members.
Is it OK to ask someone if they are thinking about suicide?
Yes. Asking directly is the first step of ACE. The guidance on the card says to speak calmly and make clear you’re there to help.
Which number should I call?
911 if anyone is in immediate danger. 988, by call or text, for suicidal thoughts or any other crisis, at any hour. Veterans and service members can dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
How do I print the card?
Print the PDF at 100% on US Letter, on card stock if you have it. Cut around a dashed strip, fold it on the dotted line with the printing on the outside, and it’s the size of a business card.
Are the phone numbers up to date?
They were checked against each organization’s own site on 22 August 2026, the date printed on the card. 988 replaced the old 1-800-273-8255 Lifeline number in July 2022, so throw away any card that still has that one.
Stress First Aid on your phone
Community Stress First Aid has the full guidance on a phone: ACE with the exact questions, the Crisis Referral Path, the stress continuum and what to do at each step, with every number tappable. It has no ads, no account and collects nothing. It's free on the App Store and Google Play.
Download on the App Store ▶ Get it on Google Play
Save this sheet to Pinterest · More about Stress First Aid
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To talk to someone now, call or text 988. There's more on the printables page.