Managing Agitated Patients in Emergencies

Use the least restrictive method of ______

Administer ketamine, 4 mg/kg IM (maximum dose 400 mg). Ketamine may be given in the mid shaft ______ aspect of the thigh OR the lateral deltoid muscle of the shoulder.

If the patient becomes agitated or aggressive as the effects of the ketamine are starting to wear off, OR IF KETAMINE IS NOT ______

Administer lorazepam (Ativan), 2 mg ______ slowly over 1 minute OR

Establish vascular access and bolus cold (34°F) normal saline, 30 mL/kg ______ (maximum 2 Liters)

Fire Rescue may be called to the scene to manage ______ that are agitated and presenting with verbally and/or physically threatening behavior.

These patients are agitated, restless, sometimes crying, sometimes confused, and they appear to be ______.

Their agitated condition may be related to mental illness and/or drug use (particularly stimulants such as ______).

Excited Delirium Syndrome Agitated patients may be experiencing an excited delirium syndrome, and when managing the care of these patients it is important to evaluate the agitated patient for possible ______ delirium syndrome.

Patients with the Excited Delirium Syndrome may demonstrate some or all of these ______: Extremely aggressive or violent behavior, Constant physical activity, restless, Not responsive to police/fire presence, Attracted to bright lights, loud sounds, their own reflections in glass or mirrors, May be naked or near naked, Rapid breathing, Profuse sweating, Little response to pain, Superhuman strength, Hot to the touch.