Credits Hours: 1.00

Course Description:
Assessing and managing the patient who is experiencing a behavioral or psychiatric emergency can be a challenge for the EMS professional. This course will address various aspects of successfully managing these situations, such as identifying potential hazards, specific techniques for physical assessment, justifying why it is preferable to transport with the patient's cooperation, and when and how to apply restraint techniques.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Justify why it is preferable to transport a patient experiencing a behavioral emergency with the patient?s cooperation, versus against his will, in a given scenario.
• Identify hazards to the patient, EMS professionals, and bystanders in order to maintain a safe scene.
• Describe methods of physical and chemical restraint that may be necessary to manage the emotionally disturbed/violent patient.
• Describe specific techniques for physical assessment of a patient with behavioral problems.