Published
CHP initiated a 5150 on a psych pt and called the ambulance for transport. Medic says pt needs medical clearance and brings him to us instead of taking him to a psych facility. We are a 6-bed ER, with two RNs and a tech on at a time. My coworker and the tech were behind a door taking care of a sick baby, so I had the rest of the ER. CHP decided that he didn't need to stay to babysit the pt so he said "Call me if you need me." Like a fool I let him go. I checked on the pt frequently, even got him a dinner tray. Fifteen minutes later his bed was empty and he was gone, along with the knife from the tray. I started storming about how I shouldn't have let the cop leave, and the doc tried to pin it on me! Yes, I bear some of the responsibility, but how was I supposed to babysit him and take care of the other 4 pts???
Yes, I called dispatch, and I also called my manager. She is supporting me but I have been kicking myself with "I should have's" and "What if's?"
ARRGHHH! :banghead:
I have never heard of a 5150 before (of course why would I, I live in GA) and I had always heard of those type cases referred to as a 1013. I guess I learned something new today....I thought 1013 was some official code that everyone everywhere used (in the US) - I did not realize it was a state code.
Same with me! When I first started nursing I thought 5150 was used everywhere, until I found out it was the code in California!!
Unless someone has developed cellulitis from a cat bite, it really isnt an emergency. A routine medical evaluation for a psych pt isnt an emergency.
The cat bite is an urgency, which qualifies for an ER visit. She needed IV abx as well as a HyperTet, neither of which the PMD's office would carry/do. Cat bite cellulitis, as I'm sure you are aware, can result from a bite within hours, so quick treatment is essential.
Psych pts on a hold are considered an emergency also. They have a medical problem that, if left unattended, can escalate (or decomp, depending on how you look at it) to a life-threatening problem if not dealt with.
I am not trying to argue with you, but you and I just see things differently. I understand your point of view, I just don't agree with it.
As for feeding pts, it's not something we do routinely, believe me!
NurseCherlove
367 Posts
I have never heard of a 5150 before (of course why would I, I live in GA) and I had always heard of those type cases referred to as a 1013. I guess I learned something new today....I thought 1013 was some official code that everyone everywhere used (in the US) - I did not realize it was a state code.