Calming agitation with words, not drugs: 10 commandments for safety
With a little practice, you can improve your skills at verbal de-escalation of the acutely agitated patient, learn how to avoid unnecessary emergency medications, and prevent assaults and injuries to you and your staff.
Don’t forget to debrief the staff as well. Takedowns, restraints, and seclusion can be traumatic for staff members, especially if there is an assault with injuries.
Just as internists learn advanced cardiac life support and run cardiac codes, psychiatrists can be responsible for directing behavioral codes when episodes of agitation and aggressive behavior occur, using verbal interventions to de-escalate patients. You will soon find yourself ordering fewer restraints, seclusions, and intramuscular medications.
Disclosure
The author reports no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article.
