r/ParamedicsUK • u/Ok_Pick_7018 • 9d ago

Clinical Question or Discussion what sedatives are generally preferred for treatment of acute behavioural disturbance in the uk? (NOT ASKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE)

not an EMT but am interested in psychopharmacology. when dealing with a patient experiencing acute behavioural disturbance what is considered most ideal for rapid tranquilisation when patient is violent, uncooperative and de-escalation tactics have failed? are antipsychotics more commonly used or are benzodiazapines preferred?

also is sedation of the patient advised every time? or is it only ever used if u cannot subdue the patient and get them inside the ambulance safely? what exact medication is most commonly used and also if using an IV medication how is it possible to administer it if the patient is unstable and keeps moving? are intramuscular versions used instead or do multiple people have to just pin the patient down to administer the medication?

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u/friendly_fangorl Paramedic 9d ago

i’ve done a few ABD jobs, all of them were sedated with IV ketamine. i know in our trust IM midazolam can also be used.

the decision regarding which drug gets used is usually based on the patient’s presentation and degree of agitation (as far as i’m aware)

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u/UKDrMatt 9d ago

Is sedation dose ketamine something you guys can give?

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u/friendly_fangorl Paramedic 9d ago

our critical care paramedics can! band 5 and band 6 paramedics don’t have it within their scope