TL;DR

Behavioral Emergencies: Psychiatric crises: suicidal ideation, psychosis, excited delirium, requiring de-escalation.

By Valenke Exam Prep Team·Last updated 2026-06-02

Behavioral Emergencies

Definition

Psychiatric crises: suicidal ideation, psychosis, excited delirium, requiring de-escalation.

Overview

Psychiatric crises: suicidal ideation, psychosis, excited delirium, requiring de-escalation. Behavioral emergency management tested on EMT and Paramedic exams.

In prehospital assessment, respiratory rate reference range: adult 12-20 breaths/min, pediatric 25-50 (infant), 15-30 (child). Deviations from these norms guide treatment decisions in the field.

Key Values & Ranges

Key values and ranges relevant to behavioral emergencies in prehospital care:

Parameter	Adult	Pediatric
GCS	15 is normal, under 8 = severe TBI	modified pediatric GCS for preverbal
ETCO2	35-45 mmHg	35-45 mmHg
respiratory rate	12-20 breaths/min	25-50 (infant), 15-30 (child)
blood pressure	90/60-120/80 mmHg	70+(2*age) systolic minimum
blood glucose	70-140 mg/dL	60-100 mg/dL (neonates lower)
SpO2	95-100%	95-100%

Equipment & Tools

Equipment used in behavioral emergencies assessment and treatment:

Pulse oximeter: Measures SpO2 via infrared absorption through capillary bed. Available sizes: Finger clip, Earlobe, Pediatric wrap
BVM: Bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation. Available sizes: Adult (1500mL), Pediatric (500mL), Infant (250mL)
IO drill: Intraosseous access device for emergent vascular access. Available sizes: EZ-IO: 15mm (peds), 25mm (adult), 45mm (obese)

Workplace Applications

In daily practice, behavioral emergencies is applied consistently according to facility protocols and current evidence-based guidelines. Competency is maintained through annual skills validation, continuing education, and quality improvement participation.

Why It Matters

Behavioral emergency management tested on EMT and Paramedic exams.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What assessment tools help evaluate behavioral emergencies?▼

For behavioral emergencies: OPQRST: evaluates Onset, Provocation, Quality, Radiation, Severity, Time; scoring is Pain assessment mnemonic. Glasgow Coma Scale: evaluates Eye opening (1-4), Verbal response (1-5), Motor response (1-6); scoring is 3-15, 8 or less = severe, 9-12 = moderate, 13-15 = mild.

What medications are commonly associated with behavioral emergencies?▼

For behavioral emergencies: epinephrine: 1:10,000 1mg IV/IO q3-5min (cardiac arrest), 1:1,000 0.3mg IM (anaphylaxis), route IV/IO, IM, ET, for Cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, severe asthma. amiodarone: 300mg IV/IO first dose, 150mg second dose, route IV/IO, for Refractory VF/pVT.

What equipment is needed for managing behavioral emergencies in the field?▼

For behavioral emergencies: AED provides Automated external defibrillator for VF/pVT. IO drill provides Intraosseous access device for emergent vascular access. BVM provides Bag-valve-mask for manual ventilation.