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Newport News Police Department
b. Restlessness or agitation.
c. Removal of clothing, public nudity.
d. Aggressive or violent behavior.
e. Hyperthermia (i.e. an extreme elevation in body temperature).
f. Lack of response to pain.
g. Displaying or communicating extreme anxiety or fear.
h. Hallucinations or delusions.
i. Increased strength or endurance.
j. Acute onset of paranoia.
k. Difficulties breathing.
3. Factors which may contribute to hyperactive delirium with severe agitation include:
a. Use or withdrawal from alcohol or drugs, including medication and stimulants.
b. Medical conditions, such as stroke, infection, or head injury.
c. Sudden changes that affect metabolic functions, such as lack of sleep or chemical imbalances.
d. Some psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia.
B. Responding to Hyperactive Delirium with Severe Agitation
Employees should be aware of the behavioral characteristics of hyperactive delirium with severe
agitation since it can be imminently life-threatening. Officers do not need to differentiate true
hyperactive delirium with severe agitation from other behaviors that mimic it. When an employee
reasonably believes that an individual may be experiencing hyperactive delirium with severe agitation,
the individual is to be treated as if they are in a medical crisis, requiring medical attention. The officer
should:
1. Notify a supervisor.
2. If a CIT officer is not already on scene, request one, if available.
3. Request police backup.
4. Request EMS presence. EMS personnel on scene will determine required medical treatment and
whether the subject requires an ambulance transport to a hospital.
5. Efforts should be focused on getting the subject under control as quickly and as safely as possible to
allow medical treatment to be administered.
6. Officers should avoid laying the subject on their stomach or exerting excessive downward pressure
on the upper torso. The body wrap restrain system (see OPS-130 Handcuffing & Restraint Devices)
should be used. If officers observe signs that the subject has an elevated body temperature (their skin
feels hot, they are sweating, etc.), officers should inform medical staff, once at the facility, remove
them from the body wrap restraint system as soon as possible.
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