PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCIES
A number of acute psychiatric emergencies may present to the first aider. Agitation, confusion and depression can result from stress.
First aid
1. Approach such a person in a calm, reassuring, and non-threatening manner.
2. Speak softly. Use short and simple sentences when speaking to him.
3. Do not force him to talk about something, if he doesn’t want to.
4. Reassure him.
5. Take him to a quiet room to decrease his sensory stimulation.
6. Turn on soothing music if possible.
7. Provide a safe environment, as he may accidentally hurt himself.
8. Do not say something bad about him to anyone else in his presence, as he can still hear and understand what you say about him.
9. Do not allow his family members to answer questions you ask him.
10. Do not be over friendly.
11. Establish a rapport with him and win his confidence.
SUICIDAL PATIENT
Suicidal tendencies may be due to recent loss of a loved one, status, or body integrity, failure in examination, love, or loss of money, employment. They are also seen in certain psychiatric illnesses.
First-aid
1. Reassure the victim.
2. Make him understand the importance of life.
3. Prevent self injury by close observation.
4. Send him to a hospital immediately for expert psychiatric care.
RAPE
It is defined as sexual intercourse with a female by force or under the threat of a force. The victim suffers from the following.
Manifestation – Features
Physical injury – Genital injury, local bleeding, wounds elsewhere on the body inflicted during attempts at resistance, fractures, dislocations.
Phase of disorganization – Fear, anger, humiliation, guilt, self blame.
Phase of resolution – Sleep disturbances, phobias, sexual fear.
First-aid
1. Reduce the emotional trauma of the victim.
2. Reassure her that anxiety is natural and appropriate support will be given to her.
3. Do not leave her alone.
4. Give first aid for injuries.
5. Do not change her clothes or allow her to wash her private parts, as these need to kept undisturbed for examination by a doctor.
6. Send him to a hospital immediately.
7. Inform police.