2020-12 Dual Response Excited Delirium
LONG BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
IN-SERVICE TRAINING
Date: October 2020 – In-Service Update Sheet – Control Number: 2020-12
EXCITED/AGITATED DELIRIUM RESPONSE
Officers periodically come into contact with individuals exhibiting bizarre behavior. This behavior is often
the result of alcohol intoxication, the influence of drugs, mental illness, uncontrolled anger, or a
combination of these factors. In some cases, bizarre behavior may be associated with a serious medical
condition called excited delirium. In some cases, this condition can be fatal. Experts believe that intense
physical exertion, such as when a subject violently resists arrest for a prolonged period, may increase
the risk of death. The goal in an excited delirium incident is to safely detain the person and facilitate
medical treatment, which requires a coordinated effort between police and fire resources. The following
will aid you in understanding the Department’s dual police and fire response to a suspected
excited/agitated delirium incident.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS RESPONSE
The communications center plays an important role in collecting information for a dual police and fire
response. Based upon information provided by the reporting party, a person involved in an incident
may be in an excited delirium state. Dispatchers will dispatch police and fire personnel (dual response)
and notify responding officers that paramedics have been requested.
POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE
Upon arrival, officers need to assess the incident and determine how best to manage the call. Officers
should try to achieve control through communication when feasible. Should the individual exhibit signs
and symptoms consistent with excited delirium, a coordinated plan to control the person and render
medical aid is necessary. Whenever possible, officers should wait for fire resources to arrive prior to
taking action. Avoid staging fire resources since any delay in medical treatment could have more
serious implications for the person.
Once the person is in police custody, officers should monitor their breathing and provide medical aid
as needed. Since fire resources will likely be on scene prior to custody, responsibility for medical aid
should be transferred quickly to on scene medical personnel.
FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONSE
A dual dispatch for excited/agitated delirium incidents ensures medical resources arrive quickly. Fire
will determine the best course of treatment based on their own observations and information provided
by officers on scene. Medical personnel have resources that may help mitigate excited/agitated
delirium, such as sedatives, but the use of medical procedures should always be determined by
medically trained professionals.
Excited/agitated delirium is a serious medical condition best handled by a coordinated police fire
response that ensures the safety of officers, fire personnel and the person involved. Knowing how
the Communications Center, Police and Fire resources work together will create the best
opportunity for a safe outcome for all.
Source: AOTC; Training Bulletin 43 – Excited Delirium