Beyond Restraints: De-Escalation in Behavioral Emergencies

Dr. Scott Zeller, an expert in emergency psychiatry and past president of the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry, reveals transformative insights on managing agitation. He emphasizes the significant drawbacks of using physical restraints, which can extend emergency department stays by four hours. Dr. Zeller introduces essential verbal de-escalation techniques, stressing the power of calm communication and the '10 de-escalation commandments' to improve outcomes. His evidence-based approach aims to enhance patient safety and care in crisis situations.