Excited Delirium

Question 1

What is Excited Delirium?

Answer 1

A descriptive phrase used when delirium becomes combative or violent in nature and may
exhibit emotional disturbances such as anxiety, fear, depression, irritability, anger, euphoria and apathy.
There may be rapid and unpredictable shifts from one emotional state toanother.

Question 2

What is Excited Delirium Syndrome? 4 points

Answer 2

– Involves the sudden death of an individual

• during or following an episode of
  excited delirium
• in which the autopsy fails to reveal evidence of sufficient trauma or natural disease to explain the death.
• In virtually all cases, the episode of excited delirium is terminated by a struggle with police or medical personnel, and the use of physical restraints

Question 3

What is Positional Asphyxia

Answer 3

When a person’s body position (e.g. lying prone) interferes with respiration, resulting in asphyxia.

Question 4

What is DICRA? 4 points

Answer 4

• Death in Custody Reporting Act

-is a federal law requiring the reporting of the death of any person
who is in the process of arrest,

• enroute to be incarcerated
• or is incarcerated in any municipal or county jail, State prison or other local or State facility.

Question 5

What following physical characteristics do officers look for in Excited Delirium? 8 points

Answer 5

 Dilated pupils
 Profuse sweating
 Hyperthermia
 Skin discoloration
 Distended belly
 Foaming at the mouth
 Uncontrollable shaking (substancewithdrawal)
 Respiratory distress

Question 6

Officers should look for what following behavioral cues of Excited Delirium? 18 cues

Answer 6

Nudity
Paranoia
Agitation
Rapid emotional change
Disorientation
Hallucinations
Delusional
Screaming
Mumbled speech
Irrational comments and behavior
Talking to invisible people
Violent/Bizarre behavior
Insensitivity to pain
Superhuman strength” and endurance
Demonstrated aggression towards inanimate objects
Shiny objects such as mirrors andwindows
Running into traffic
Attraction to the lights

Question 7

Excited Delirium

Prior to contact, closely observe the subject to develop a _______ _______ with other officers and medical personnel on scene.

Answer 7

Prior to contact, closely observe the subject to develop a custody plan with other officers and medical
personnel on scene.

Question 8

Consider options to help reduce the physical and mental distress such as;

Answer 8

 Using two sets of handcuffs.
 Assisting the subject in sitting upright.
 Verbally calming the subject.

Question 9

Excited Delirium

Investigate the possible reasons for the episode to include what?

Answer 9

 Recent drug use
 Drug history
 Mental Illness
 Recent traumatic events

Question 10

What should you consider when coming up with a custody plan?

Answer 10

 Identify safety concerns
 Look for escape routes
 Look for any other injured persons