Psychiatric emergencies
A number of acute psychiatric emergencies may present to the first aider. Agitation, confusion and depression can result from stress.
First Aid
- Approach such a person in a calm, reassuring, and non- threatening manner.
- Speak softly. Use short and simple sentences when speaking to him.
- Do not force him to talk about something, if he doesn’t want to.
- Reassure him.
- Take him to a quite room to decrease his sensory stimulation.
- Turn on soothing music if possible.
- Provide a safe a environment, as he may accidentally hurt himself
- What to expect.
- Do not say something bad about him to anyone else in his presence, as he can still hear and understand what you say about him.
- Do not allow his family members to answer questions you ask him.
- Do not be over friendly.
- Establish a rapport with him.
