Name
Controlled Chaos: Managing Agitation with Ketamine and New Approaches to Agitation in the Field
Date & Time
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Description
Agitation in the pre-hospital setting can be one of the most challenging scenarios EMS providers face, especially when the underlying cause is unknown. This lecture dives into innovative pharmacotherapy approaches for managing undifferentiated agitation, focusing on the emerging use of ketamine and droperidol. We’ll explore how ketamine, with its rapid onset and unique pharmacodynamics, offers both sedation and analgesia while minimizing the risks of respiratory depression. New evidence highlights its safety and effectiveness in agitated patients, especially in situations like excited delirium or severe psychiatric episodes. Droperidol, a potent antipsychotic, is also making a comeback for agitation management, providing a viable alternative with fewer side effects compared to older agents. We’ll examine when and why these medications should be integrated into your protocols, and how they can be part of a broader strategy to ensure patient safety and effective sedation in the field. This session will review the latest evidence, case studies, and expert opinions, giving you the tools to optimize agitation management in high-pressure EMS situations. Come learn how to manage the storm, reduce risk, and ensure better outcomes for your patients in this dynamic, rapidly-evolving area of pre-hospital care. Core: Psychiatric