The Mentally Ill Patient Challenge – EMS Role in Treatment and Transport
(Room Chesapeake DEF)
22 Feb 19
1:15 PM
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2:15 PM
One of the most difficult patients we encounter is the mental health patient. Now with so many inpatient mental health programs eliminated, seriously ill patients are left in the community often without viable treatment options. This puts EMS “in the middle”, and in some cases, “between a rock and a hard place” in dealing with mental health patients and the legal issues that surround them, especially where the patient is non-compliant with treatment. There are also significant reimbursement issues at play, as many of these patients will be walking, talking, and may not always need an ambulance. These issues can also add to the danger factor in dealing with these challenging situations. This session will discuss the current state of mental health laws as they relate to EMS and discuss strategies for minimizing risk and improving patient care.