Narcotic Administration in ER

[silver2009]

I am curious what hospitals around the country are doing regarding narcotic administration to patients with no ride home present, no ride home period, or the homeless population. We have to treat a patient's pain, but NSAID's are either not enough, or are flatly refused. I am curious if there are written protocols out there, or if ER nurses are using a unwritten protocol. I feel like I am being squeezed between angry patients, frustrated doctors, and an unhelpful management. Thanks.

[Delee318]

This is not an answer to the original question, but let me just say that 10 years ago I was hit head-on by a driver who was given Delaudid and Phenergan in an E.R. and allowed to drive home. I had cervical fractures and leg/foot fractures requiring surgery. I sued and I won a LARGE amount of money from that hospital. I would definitely NOT do it regardless of a policy.