Behavioral Emergencies

Question 1

Steps to manage acute behavioural disturbance

Answer 1

Recognise warning signs before escalation occurs
Attend to such patient as a priority, delay exacerbates the situation
Ensure safety of self, staff and others present and of patient
Summon support early if situation deteriorate eg security
Use the least invasive method necessary to gain control
1 verbal deescalation and early negotiation - offer oral meds - Diazepam or olanzapine.
2 Show of force
3 physical restraint by a trained team
4 Chemical restraint eg IV diazepam, IM midazolam, IM drosperidone and IM olanzapine
If meds given monitor afterwards.