Violent Behaviour in the ED

Author: Anthony Bleetman / Editor: Michael John Stewart / Reviewer: Muhammad Waseem, Anthony Bleetman / Code: A5, CC7 / Published: 06/12/2021

Description:

Managing aggressive and violent behaviour is challenging. Aggressive behavior may indicate a serious, ongoing mental health condition that poses a safety concern. This behavior may be either impulsive (occurs due to a trigger) or proactive (premeditated and well thought out).

Patients with mental health problems are increasingly being evaluated and treated in the emergency department (ED). There has been a steady rise in the number of ED visits due to by patients exhibiting a range of mental health conditions. For example, in 2000, 5.4% of ED visits were due to mental health reasons compared with 12.5% in 2007. Since they are occurring more commonly, it is important to be familiar with the causes of aggressive behavior. It is becoming necessary to effectively address this type of behavior in order to ensure the safety of both the patients and the ED staff.

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Recognise the factors which result in aggressive or violent behavior in the ED
• Anticipate and quickly recognise the risk to yourself, the patient individual and other ED staff when dealing with potentially violent people in the ED
• Learn the application of conflict resolution strategies to prevent and control violence
• Determine when rapid sedation is required
• Use rapid tranquilizing or sedation techniques according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

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