NCJ Number
248101
Date Published
July 2014
Length
4 pages
Annotation
After discussing the features, symptoms, and treatment of excited delirium syndrome (ExDS), this article discusses law enforcement settings and activities likely to precipitate this disease, as well as how law enforcement officers can be better prepared to respond appropriately to ExDS.
Abstract
ExDS is a serious and potentially deadly medical condition that involves psychotic behavior, elevated temperature, and an extreme fight-or-flight response by the nervous system. Failure to recognize these symptoms and launch an emergency medical response can increase the risk for death (A 10-percent fatality rate has been reported). In the criminal justice context, ExDS-related deaths have occurred after handcuffing/"hog-tying," major physical struggles, and being "tasered." An expert panel convened by the American College of Emergency Physicians has recognized ExDS as a unique clinical syndrome amenable to early therapeutic interventions. In addition to discussing the medical background of this disease, this article outlines its risk factors and clinical presentation. Medical treatments for ExDS are also described. It is critical that law enforcement officers learn the indicators of this disease and promptly involve emergency medical personnel on behalf of the inflicted person. 10 notes