What to give in a crisis situation for sedation in a hospitital setting

Hello Charlotte Meyer,

I do not know of a specific drug; however, I can tell you that when I was agitated and taken to the psych ER when I relapsed after a drug holiday failure, two burly men grabbed me, lifted me onto a table, and strapped me in four-point restraints and shot me in the thigh with some drug.  I fell asleep, and the next thing that happened, I was awake and I don't know how many minutes or hours had passed, and they took me into the psych ward.  Four point restraints get a bad rap when used for hours or days on end, or when they're used without justification; however, in some situations you need to do that.  The other option is to lock the patient in one of those chairs that has a locking device to keep them in the chair.

Alternately, I have a friend with severe anxiety who has gone to the ER to get immediate relief, and when they suggested he be admitted to the psych ward, he refused because he wasn't sick and knew they'd keep him for two weeks.  After considering the options, the doctor gave him a dose of morphine, he went home and promptly fell asleep for two days, and the anxiety was gone.

I hesitate to tell you to use a certain a drug, as I'm not a medical professional.  However, hearing what I've told you, you could bring these two options to the other staff and brainstorm if together you think either of them would help.

You do not say if you are in a position to reveal to your co-workers that you need assistance finding a solution, and I understand if it is a delicate matter to approach them.  Also, not every doctor would prescribe morphine to calm a person down.

I'm not in a position to suggest the morphine, not at all.  However, the use of restraints may be justified.  Not many people know I was held in four-point retraints, but it was necessary because I was a danger to myself.  Had I not been placed in restraints, my life would've been in danger, and I might not have gotten the help I needed to recover.  This occurred in 1992, and I've been out of the hospital for 16 years now.

I hope what I've said helps.

Regards,

Christina

I can't give expert advice, but I am most concerned that there does not appear to be a local 'protocol' in place where you work so team members can feel confident( and mutually supporting) in handling humanely but firmly such a crisis. Safely for all involved!!!

Can you bring it up at a local level?

This seems vital and empowering, to work together so fear is not centre stage. Distressed people keenly pick up on this fear, just like a cornered animal, making them more erratic . They wish to feel calm and received.

A very important question, much better 'be prepared'.

Good luck

Chris

retired doc (non psyc)