1. Pierce County FIRE/EMS Response Plan for Excited Delirium (ExDs)
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD
FF/PM Lorenz CPFR

2. Excited Delirium History
1849 – Concept of death due to excited delirium was introduced by Dr. Luther Bell – Bell’s Mania syndrome. “Chronic Exhaustive Syndrome”
1960’s – Development of Psychiatric drugs that prevented Bell’s Mania. “Chronic Exhaustive Syndrome” and ExDS no longer a problem.
1980’s – Acute form of Exhaustive Syndrome starts to occur due to the use and abuse of stimulant drugs such as Cocaine and PCP
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD

3. Excited Delirium History
1985 – The term “excited delirium” was coined in 1985 by C.V. Wetli and D. A. Fishbain in their publication, “Cocaine-induced psychosis and sudden death in recreational cocaine users.”
1988 “Positional Asphyxia” term coined by Dr. Reay, King County Medical Examiner, WA. Despite ban on the use of hog tying, deaths continued to occur. Further research was done. (Reay, Flinger, Stillwell and Arnold, 1992)
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD

4. “Excited Delirium” Definition
A state of extreme mental and physiological excitement, characterized by extreme agitation, hyperthermia, euphoria, exceptional strength and endurance without apparent fatigue.
(Morrison & Sadler, 2001)
Excited Delirium is a “medical emergency” no matter what the cause.
(Barkley Burnett & Adler, 2004)
An altered mental state with impaired cognition and perception, and severe psycho-motor agitation.
(WPSTC Special Panel Review of ExDS 2011)
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD

5. Death from Excited Delirium Syndrome results from a fatal cardiac arrhythmia due to hyper-adrenergic state caused by:
The excited delirium, which in itself triggers release of catecholamines
Catecholamines are hormones made by the adrenal glands. These glands are on top of the kidneys. Catecholamines are released into the blood when a person is under physical or emotional stress. The main catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (which used to be called adrenalin). (National Institute of Health)
Additional release of catecholamines due to the struggle
A rapid and steep drop in blood potassium concentrations following cessation of the struggle in association with increasing levels of catecholamines (period of peril).
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD

6. The hyper-adrenergic state is almost invariably aggravated by the effects of:
Illegal stimulants, which directly and indirectly cause increased levels of catecholamines
Medications that have either the same actions as the stimulants in causing increased concentrations of catecholamines and/or cause prolongation of the QT interval.
The presence of natural disease of a degree insufficient in itself to cause death but when in combination with a hyper-adrenergic state can do so.
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD

7. FIRE/EMS Role
Interrupt the pathophysiology cascade through sedation and medical measures outlined in the Pierce County ExDs Protocol.
Then end result increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome for the patient and increased safety for the patient, citizens and first responders.

8. ExDs is a JOINT LE/Fire/EMS problem

9. ExDS Response Measures
IDENTIFY – Observe, record, and communicate the indicators related to this syndrome – handle primarily as a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
CONTROL – Control and/or restrain subject as soon as possible to reduce the risks related to a prolonged struggle
SEDATE – Administer sedation as soon as possible. Consider calming measures. Remove unnecessary stimuli where possible, including lights and sirens.
TRANSPORT – Take to hospital as soon as possible for full medical assessment and/or treatment.
WPSTC – Special Panel Review of ExDS (2011)
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD

10. IDENTIFY – Extremely aggressive or violent behavior
Constant or near constant physical activity
Does not respond to police presence
Attracted to/destructive of glass/reflective
Attracted to bright lights/loud sounds
Naked / inadequately clothed
Attempted “self cooling” or hot to touch
Rapid breathing
Profuse sweating
Keening (unintelligible animal-like noises)
Insensitive to/extreme tolerant of pain
Excessive Strength (out of proportion)
Does not tire despite heavy exertion.
Sgt. Carpenter PCSD

11. Hyperthermia is the core difference between an Excited Delirium Episode and a Psychotic or drug induced delirium

12. CONTROL & COMMUNICATION
When dispatched to a known ExDs pt by LE request a common frequency (i.e. LEARN)
Standby within visual range
Establish verbal contact with LE
Coordinate restraint & sedation plan with LE

13. CONTROL & COMMUNICATION (continued)
If Fire/EMS finds themselves confronted by a potential ExDs request LE immediately and identify reason for request as Excited Delirium
If Fire/EMS deem it necessary to intervene prior to LE arrival due to pt. , crew, and/or public safety Ensure Adequate Back-Up
Recommended minimum of four FF/EMS
Try to verbally de-escalate
Eliminate unnecessary audible and visual stimulus

14. CONTROL & COMMUNICATION (continued)
Ensure Breathing
DO NOT hinder the pt’s ability to breathe!
DO NOT subject their thorax to unnecessary weight.
Place / secure subject into a recovery position.
Pt’s will be metabolically acidotic from the intense exertion.
Pt’s need to breathe at a faster and deeper rate to buffer the build-up of metabolic acid and prevent cardiopulmonary arrest.

15. SEDATE - Prepare sedation prior to making contact
Ketamine is the first line for ExDs sedation followed by Valium & Versed
Have gurney and restraints in position
Ensure proper documentation of use for restraints, how they were applied, and CMS before and after

17. TRANSPORT -
Transport Immediately to nearest appropriate receiving facility
LE WILL follow or accompany medic unit

19. Any Question’s