Regional Emergency Medical Advisory Committee of New York City
Certified First Responder Support Protocols
Copyright January 1996 (8/96)

311 ALTERED MENTAL STATUS

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

ASSESS 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.

Monitor the airway.

Observe spinal injury precautions, if appropriate. (See Protocol #321.)

Administer oxygen.

Request Advanced Life Support assistance.

If the patient is conscious, has a gag reflex, and is able to drink without assistance, provide a sugar solution, fruit juice, or non-diet soda by mouth.

Do NOT give oral solutions to unconscious patients.

Do NOT give oral solutions to patients with head injuries.

Transport in accordance with first response agency policy.

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

Do NOT delay transport.

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