Chemical restraint is to be used only where the patient can be adequately and repeatedly monitored by EMT-P providers. It is to be reserved for patients who cannot otherwise be restrained or restrained only at the risk of significant harm to the patient, law enforcement, and EMS providers.
1. Consider other causes of combative or irrational behavior, including but not limited to hypoxia and hypoglycemia.
2. Administer midazolam IV, IM, or via intra-nasal spray
a. If patient > 50 kg, administer 10 mg (5 mg in each nostril)
b. If patient < 50 kg, administer 5 mg
3. Patient should be isolated and placed in an ALS ambulance as soon as possible.
4. Airway, mental status, and vital signs (including pulse oximetry and heart rhythm) must be examined and documented every 5 minutes.
5. All patients will be transported to the closest most appropriate facility for further evaluation, and released to law enforcement thereafter.
If chemical restraint is used, a copy of the run record must be made available to the Medical Director through the CQI Coordinator within 24 hours.