Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Prehospital Basic Life Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

430 EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED PATIENT

NOTE:EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED PATIENTS MUST BE PRESUMED TO HAVE AN UNDERLYING MEDICAL OR TRAUMATIC CONDITION CAUSING AN ALTERED MENTAL STATUS.

ASSES SUCH PATIENTS FOR AN UNDERLYING MEDICAL OR TRAUMATIC CONDITION CAUSING AN ALTERED MENTAL STATUS AND TREAT AS NECESSARY.

Assess the situation for potential or actual danger and establish a safe zone, if necessary.

NOTE:ALL SUICIDAL OR VIOLENT THREATS OR GESTURES MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. THESE PATIENTS SHOULD BE IN POLICE CUSTODY IF THEY POSE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES AND/OR OTHERS.

If an underlying medical or traumatic condition causing an altered mental status is not apparent; the patient is fully conscious, alert, and able to communicate; and an emotional disturbance is suspected, proceed as follows:

NOTE:ONLY THE AMOUNT OF FORCE REQUIRED TO EFFECTIVELY RESTRAIN THE PATIENT MAY BE USED.

Transport.

Assess and monitor Glasgow Coma score. (See Appendix E.)

Do NOT delay transport.

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