🧠 MENTAL HEALTH BASICS
Experiencing an emotional crisis does not automatically mean a person has this.
What is a mental illness?
Behavior is best defined as this.
What is a person's observable response to their environment?
Your first priority when approaching any behavioral patient.
What is scene safety?
If possible, where should you position yourself while speaking with an agitated patient?
What is near an exit with a clear escape route?
A patient is hearing voices but is calm and cooperative. What is your best approach?
What is remain calm, establish rapport, and continue your assessment?
True or False:
Most patients with mental illness are violent.
What is false.
A behavioral crisis may occur when normal coping mechanisms do this.
What is fail or become overwhelmed?
True or False:
You should argue with a delusional patient to convince them they are wrong.
What is false.
This resource should be requested early if violence appears likely.
What is law enforcement?
A combative patient has a blood glucose of 34 mg/dL. What is the likely cause of the behavior?
What is hypoglycemia?
The most important skill for de-escalating a behavioral crisis.
What is effective communication?
A patient who is violent, agitated, or a danger to themselves or others is experiencing this.
What is a behavioral health emergency?
When interviewing a behavioral patient, your tone should be:
What is calm, respectful, and nonjudgmental?
True or False:
You should turn your back on an agitated patient while preparing equipment.
What is False.
A patient becomes increasingly agitated, begins pacing, and clenches their fists. What should you do?
What is create distance, request law enforcement, and continue verbal de-escalation?
Feeling depressed after the death of a loved one is generally considered this type of response.
What is a normal reaction to an acute crisis?
A disturbing pattern of behavior lasting longer than this should raise concern.
What is one month?
Behavioral emergencies may actually be caused by these two categories of conditions.
What are medical conditions and substance use/intoxication?
Physical restraints should only be used when this condition exists.
What is the patient poses an immediate danger to themselves or others, following local protocol?
A patient is threatening suicide and has access to a firearm. What are your immediate priorities?
What are
Ensure scene safety
Request law enforcement
Do not approach until the scene is secure
Name four common causes of emotional crisis discussed in this chapter.
What are
Name four behaviors that may indicate a behavioral health emergency.
What are
Before assuming a psychiatric emergency, EMTs should first rule out this broad category of causes.
What are medical causes of altered mental status?
Name four signs that a patient may become violent.
What are
A confused, combative patient has slurred speech, diaphoresis, and unequal pupils. Should you assume this is a psychiatric emergency?
What is No. Suspect a medical emergency until proven otherwise and perform a thorough assessment.