By Laura French
GREELEY, Colo. — A group of Colorado researchers is asking paramedics to participate in a survey on ketamine use and the management of agitated patients.
The University of Northern Colorado research team, led by psychologist Dr. Thom Dunn, who is also a practicing paramedic, is conducting the survey following “recent interest in how paramedics manage the agitated patient who may be in police custody,” according to the survey description.
The survey includes questions about whether EMS agencies carry ketamine and whether it is used to manage agitation or for presentations other than agitation.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recently announced it would review the state’s ketamine waiver program following the death of Elijah McClain in police custody. The National Association of EMS Physicians released a statement this week defending the use of ketamine in prehospital settings.