Pediatric Education and Advocacy Kit (PEAK): Agitation

Children in emergency settings may become agitated for a number of reasons, including psychiatric disorders, delirium, withdrawal or intoxication, and pain. Acute agitation can lead to disrupted care, distress for the family, and harm to the patient or staff, making it vital to manage effectively (Gerson et al, 2019). When caring for the agitated pediatric patient, the approach must be safe, patient-centered, proactive, and begin with least restrictive options possible.

PEAK: Agitation resources were created to assist hospital and prehospital-based teams, in partnership with patients and families, to support children and youth with agitation—including identifying the etiology and initiating a continuum of care management strategies.

Last updated: July 2024