Sample Emergency Department Policy for Management of Acute Agitation

Resource Overview

• Provided as a sample policy outlining standardized management of acute agitation in pediatric patients.
• Emphasizes early recognition, safety, and a least-restrictive, patient-centered approach.
• Integrates environmental modification, verbal de-escalation, pharmacologic guidance, and restraint precautions.
• Defines clear roles, documentation standards, training expectations, and quality monitoring processes.
  

How to Use This Resource

• Adapt as a template to develop or update your ED’s pediatric agitation policy.
• Align workflows with best practices, prioritizing de-escalation and restraint reduction.
• Use for interdisciplinary education, simulation training, and onboarding.
• Incorporate into quality review processes to monitor agitation events and reduce risk.