Psychiatric Emergencies

Akin to a “physical” medical emergency, a psychiatric emergency can affect anyone. Here, we discuss acute episodes of a psychiatric disorder, acute suicide risk and acute psychiatric symptoms not caused by an underlying psychiatric disorder.

Symptoms are

Disturbances in the mood, continuous unhappiness, sulkiness
Hopelessness and despair
Noticeable behavioural abnormalities
Crying fits
Anxiety, Fear, Panic attacks
Strong, intense breathing (Hyperventilation)

First Aid Measures

Care for the patient (do not leave the patient unattended)
Consult a medical professional
Hyperventilation: Catch the person’s attention (if necessary, using a painful stimulus), followed by asking the patient in a calming tone to “breathe slower” (Talking down)

Also Note

Many emergency situations contain an important psychiatric aspect. As a first aid responder, it is important to consider the psychiatric aspect of an emergency: Calm the patient down and ensure they have privacy. Psychiatric difficulties are just as normal as any other bodily complaint.

Advenced subjects

Hyperventilation