Smacc

Rueben Strayer provides a masterclass in droperidol for emergency management of agitation. He discusses sedation in three patient groups. Agitated but cooperative If the patient is agitated but cooperative there is no concern for a dangerous condition. They respond well to some company and a sandwich. Drug therapy in this group is relatively straightforward. Disruptive without danger You can converse and engage with this group; however, they are not responsive to suggestion. They are loud and disruptive and need to be sedated. You can do a history and exam and be fairly confident that there is no dangerous underlying condition. There is no threat to themselves or others. They can be managed by observation in an unmonitored bed. So, you can sacrifice speed of sedation to ensure safety. Simple and well worn, tried and tested methods of mixed medical sedation are fine in this situation. And Reuben stresses this… it is fine. To be better than fine, consider a single agent - droperidol. Droperidol is the most effe