AT 1820 HOURS, YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ARE dispatched to an unknown medical complaint in an affluent area of the community. On arriving at the residence, you are greeted by a woman who says her husband “doesn’t seem himself.” As you walk into the house, you ask the woman about any pertinent medical history and learn that the patient was in the hospital last year because of depression. He is currently taking BuSpar® for his anxiety and Effexor® for depression. The woman also says that he may not have taken his medications for the past few days.
The woman escorts you into the master bedroom, where you find a middle-aged male sitting quietly on the bed. He appears to be staring at the floor. As you begin to talk with the man, he becomes agitated and, at times, verbally abusive. After a few additional questions, the man starts screaming obscenities at you and your partner. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, you opt to wait outside until the police arrive. As you turn to walk out of the bedroom, the man jumps from the bed and attacks your partner with a pair of scissors. Fortunately, the injury is minor. After a few minutes of wrestling the man, you and your partner have him subdued on the floor. The man is in a prone position with his arms pulled and held behind his back. Within a few moments, the man becomes tranquil and subdued. But, you and your partner do not release your grip on the man for fear that he will resume his attack.
A few moments later, the police arrive and begin asking about the situation. The officer notices that the man appears “a little blue.” You turn the man onto his back and note that he is not breathing. Airway management along with assisted breathing is provided, and the patient is quickly transported to the hospital. Unfortunately, the man succumbs to his condition and is pronounced dead within 30 minutes of arrival at the emergency department.
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