Chapter 12: Behavioral Emergencies Learning Objectives

 

After students complete this chapter they should be able to:

Knowledge Objectives

1. Identify the signs and symptoms of a patient experiencing a behavioral crisis. (p 240)
2. List the five factors that may contribute to behavioral emergencies. (p 240)
3. List the phases of a situational crisis. (p 240)
4. Explain the role of an emergency medical responder (EMR) in caring for a patient experiencing a behavioral emergency. (p 241)
5. List the steps for assessing a patient experiencing a behavioral emergency. (p 242)
6. Explain how to calm a patient experiencing a behavioral emergency. (p 242)
7. Explain the following communication skills:
   • Restatement (pp 242-243)
   • Redirection (p 243)
   • Empathy (p 243)
8. Recognize the signs and symptoms of an abused patient. (p 244)
9. Describe the method for dealing with domestic violence situations. (p 244)
10. Describe the method for assessing potentially violent patients. (p 244; p 246)
11. Describe the safety precautions that should be taken when dealing with a potentially violent patient. (p 246)
12. Describe the EMR’s role in dealing with an armed or potentially violent patient. (p 246)
13. Explain the medical and legal considerations related to dealing with behavioral emergencies. (p 247)
14. Describe the approaches to be used when dealing with
    • Attempted suicide (p 247)
    • Posttraumatic stress disorder (p 248)
    • Sexual assault (pp 248-249)
    • Death and dying (p 249)

15. Explain the purpose of critical incident stress debriefing. (p 249)

Skills Objectives

1. Demonstrate how to calm a patient experiencing a behavioral crisis. (p 242)
2. Demonstrate the following communication techniques:
   • Restatement (pp 242-243)
   • Redirection (p 243)
   • Empathy (p 243)
3. Demonstrate management of the following crises:
   • Suicide attempt (p 247)
   • Posttraumatic stress disorder (p 248)
   • Sexual assault (pp 248-249)
   • Death and dying (p 249)