Scene safety first: stage until law enforcement secures a violent scene.
What is behavioral emergencies?
Low sugar, low oxygen, head injury and intoxication all look like a psychiatric crisis, so rule them out before labeling the patient.
Key points to remember
- Scene safety first: stage until law enforcement secures a violent scene.
- Look for medical mimics: hypoglycemia, hypoxia, head injury, infection, drugs or alcohol.
- Talk calmly, keep an exit open, one provider speaks, avoid threatening posture.
- Ask directly about suicide: plan, means and intent. A direct question does not create risk.
- Restraint only as a last resort, with enough help, never prone or face-down.
Field priorities
- A restrained patient is monitored continuously — airway, breathing and circulation.
- Hyperactive delirium with severe agitation is a medical emergency: rapid transport.
- Never leave a suicidal patient alone.
Coaching the patient
- Document objectively: quote what the patient says, describe what you see.
Red flags: act now
- Sudden quiet after a violent struggle (possible arrest)
- A patient with a specific suicide plan and means
- Hot, sweating, agitated and superhuman strength
Behavioral Emergencies: FAQs
What are the priority actions for Behavioral Emergencies in the field?
A restrained patient is monitored continuously — airway, breathing and circulation. Hyperactive delirium with severe agitation is a medical emergency: rapid transport. Never leave a suicidal patient alone.
What findings in Behavioral Emergencies change your plan or your transport decision?
Sudden quiet after a violent struggle (possible arrest). A patient with a specific suicide plan and means. Hot, sweating, agitated and superhuman strength.
What do I need to know about Behavioral Emergencies for the NREMT?
Scene safety first: stage until law enforcement secures a violent scene. Look for medical mimics: hypoglycemia, hypoxia, head injury, infection, drugs or alcohol. Talk calmly, keep an exit open, one provider speaks, avoid threatening posture. Ask directly about suicide: plan, means and intent. A direct question does not create risk.
What should the crew communicate or document for Behavioral Emergencies?
Document objectively: quote what the patient says, describe what you see.
