Violent patient policy.

No policy needed, if I think its unsafe we dont do it. End of story.

Granted it doesnt happen much. But it does happen.
 
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We have a protocol for violent patients...Versed 4mg IM with "dose adjustment" per OLMC (can give more as directed). This is of course after a blood sugar and O2 sat check.

I haven't had the opportunity to follow this protocol yet.

If you want to see the protocol go to

http://www.maine.gov/dps/ems/documents/2008MEMSProcotols.pdf

The protocol page is Yellow 14 (page 96 of 153)
 
We have protocols for restraining violent patients, but none specifically for dealing with a violent pt. I think the rules of scene safety apply here. To specifically outline the specific pt, implies that the EMS worker is going to be able to identify a pt as 'violent'. That's tough to do until the pt takes a swing at you.
 
PA's protocol was already posted.

I know there was a series in EMS magazine last year on this - discussing that whatever you do, your allied agencies need to be on the same page with you... otherwise things will crash and burn.

Here's the article:
http://www.emsresponder.com/print/Emergency--Medical-Services/Coping-with-Violent-People--A-Multi-Part-Series/1$4694

And yep... it was written by Thom ****.
 
Is anyone allowed to think anymore, or do they just reference that page in their protocols.

You need a policy for some guy trying to beat the :censored::censored::censored::censored: out of you.
 
Is anyone allowed to think anymore, or do they just reference that page in their protocols.

You need a policy for some guy trying to beat the :censored::censored::censored::censored: out of you.

Wow, I show you a tool that I have to help controll a violent patient and you try and berate me...quit being a :censored::censored::censored::censored::censored:
 
Wow, I show you a tool that I have to help controll a violent patient and you try and berate me...quit being a :censored::censored::censored::censored::censored:

Easy there....I wasnt berating anyone just pointing out the recent move away from decision making to, just flip to the page thats where you will find the answer.
 
Easy there....I wasnt berating anyone just pointing out the recent move away from decision making to, just flip to the page thats where you will find the answer.

right, why don't we throw away our protocol books and do what ever we want! It is not our decision what we are allowed to practice...the decision comes into play when deciding WHEN to follow this protocol
 
As it stands I am thinking that there is not much out there when it comes to providing medics with a sanctioned method of dealing with violence. In this regard I am thinking of a "product" like DT4EMS. The advent of prehospital chemical restraint is a wonderful concept. However, unless your are provided with a Versed dart gun, it does nothing to aid you in reacting to the violence you are trying to mitigate.

Jeff
 
However, unless your are provided with a Versed dart gun, it does nothing to aid you in reacting to the violence you are trying to mitigate.

If you need a dart "gun", you probably have enough distance between you and the patient to move to safety until reinforcements arrive from PD. You must be conscious of how many people it may take to safely bring down a patient and LEOs are better at that than EMS.

We use the slang term Dart in reference to giving Versed IM in an emergency. However, there are usually enough people to safely restrain since we know this does not have an immediate effect if one at all in some cases. It may just slow them down long enough to get an IV.
 
OK, I'll restate and ask; does anyone have policy or training when it comes to being attacked by a violent patient or bystander? I know PD or additional people would be optimal, I know this, it's always optimal. It would also be optimal at pub when someone feels the need to act out, not always an option though, nor is geting off the scene a winner everytime. What are your options when you need to leave and a bad guy is between you and the door? Or between you and your partner for that matter? I am trying to get a feel for actual availability of training and the feeling towards it. Restraint, both chemical and physical is great, not a be all end all. I would like to know if anyone has anything for that volatile space between the recognition for the need to fight or restrain, and the end product that is the restrained (or escaped from) patient or aggressor.

Jeff
 
We have a protocol for violent patients...Versed 4mg IM with "dose adjustment" per OLMC (can give more as directed). This is of course after a blood sugar and O2 sat check.

Blood sugar and Sa02 on the combative pt before enough Versed to control them? For real?
 
We have a protocol for violent patients...Versed 4mg IM with "dose adjustment" per OLMC (can give more as directed). This is of course after a blood sugar and O2 sat check.

Blood sugar and Sa02 on the combative pt before enough Versed to control them? For real?

SpO2 will do. I wouldn't even consider an SaO2.

Both can be difficult but not impossible.
 
We have a protocol for violent patients...Versed 4mg IM with "dose adjustment" per OLMC (can give more as directed). This is of course after a blood sugar and O2 sat check.

Blood sugar and Sa02 on the combative pt before enough Versed to control them? For real?

Guess you haven't seen a combative diabetic before? These patients don't need versed, they need glucagon IM
 
My personal violent patient policy is "Run away! Run away!"
 
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