We need more training for acute mental illness

Approach, assessment, management of patients with behavioral emergency are consistent with those of patients with physical conditions

June 26, 2012 08:06 AM •

Editor’s note: Mental Health First Aid, an initiative expanding in N.M., trains lay people on mental health basics.

I really like this idea. I saw this about two years ago and it bears repeating: Acute mental illness is like any other condition we manage, albeit without obvious physical signs.

Nevertheless, the approach, assessment and management of the patient with a behavioral emergency are consistent with those of patients with physical conditions: Establish that there are no safety hazards and that the patient is not experiencing any immediate life threats, and complete a history and physical examination.

I think we can get hung up on the patient’s psychological presentation, since we receive so little training in recognizing and managing these events.

Mental Health First Aid is an Australian initiative that has been in the United States since 2008 and has trained 60,000 people in 43 states, from the lay public to the professional.

I believe that the course is an excellent 12-hour investment in how to better respond to and interact with the patient with an acute behavioral emergency. There is also the option of getting a behavioral analysis certificate or degree.

I’m hoping to take a class soon! Maybe I’ll see you there.

Arthur Hsieh, MA, NRP

Art Hsieh, MA, NRP teaches in Northern California at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program. An EMS provider since 1982, Art has served as a line medic, supervisor and chief officer in the private, third service and fire-based EMS. He has directed both primary and EMS continuing education programs. Art is a textbook writer, author of “EMT Exam for Dummies,” has presented at conferences nationwide and continues to provide direct patient care regularly. Art is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board.