Which action is recommended when encountering severe agitation?

Which action is recommended when encountering severe agitation?

• A. Request ALS
• B. Ensure law enforcement on-scene or enroute
• C. Limit contact with patient until ALS is on scene and ready to manage patient
• D. 4 officers recommended for subdual while paramedic personnel prepare agitation control

Answer: (C)

When faced with severe agitation, safety and controlled medical management are the priority. Limiting contact with the patient until ALS is on scene and ready to manage agitation reduces the risk of injury to both the patient and responders and allows trained personnel to assess, de-escalate, and, if needed, provide sedation or further medical interventions in a controlled manner. Approaching aggressively or attempting subdual before appropriate medical support can escalate violence and lead to harm. Law enforcement may be involved for safety, but the key action is to wait for ALS to arrive and take over patient management.

When faced with severe agitation, safety and controlled medical management are the priority. Limiting contact with the patient until ALS is on scene and ready to manage agitation reduces the risk of injury to both the patient and responders and allows trained personnel to assess, de-escalate, and, if needed, provide sedation or further medical interventions in a controlled manner. Approaching aggressively or attempting subdual before appropriate medical support can escalate violence and lead to harm. Law enforcement may be involved for safety, but the key action is to wait for ALS to arrive and take over patient management.