Explaining ABD care and contested labels — CASC communication station

Open. Introduce role, check understanding of what she has been told, acknowledge fear and anger after a frightening scene. [2]

Terminology. Explain we describe this as acute behavioural disturbance — a dangerous state of extreme agitation that can have medical causes such as stimulants, heat, infection, or mental illness. The phrase excited delirium is contested, not a standard psychiatric diagnosis in DSM or ICD, and major toxicology bodies advise against using it as a diagnosis or sole cause of death. We focus on what we measure and treat. [1][2]

What we did. Safety first; checked breathing, oxygen, sugar, temperature; cooled him; used medication (for example droperidol-class or protocol agent — name if true to case) so he could be assessed safely; goal is calm and rousable, not knocked out; we monitor breathing and vitals frequently for at least an hour after injections. [3]

Restraint. Physical holds are last resort and kept as short as possible; prolonged face-down restraint is dangerous for breathing; we document what happened and reassess continuously. Do not accuse individuals without facts, but do not deny that restraint can contribute to harm. [1]

Next steps. Blood tests, heart tracing, observation for toxin effects or mental illness; if capacity impaired and serious risks remain, local mental health law may allow treatment using the least restrictive safe option — you will involve seniors and will not invent section codes. Invite questions; summarise plan. [3]