Minister Releases Excited Delirium Report

A media release issued today by the Nova Scotia Department of Justice:

Department of Justice
September 4, 2009 11:31 AM

A report on excited delirium was released today, Sept. 4, by Justice Minister Ross Landry.

The province commissioned the 38-page Report of the Panel of Mental Health and Medical Experts Review of Excited Delirium in November 2008, to make recommendations to help law enforcement officers when responding to individuals showing excited delirium symptoms.

The report contains nine recommendations to develop new principles, protocols and procedures to deal with individuals who come into conflict with the law and display extreme agitation, aggressive and paranoid behaviour. It also outlines the need for further training and research.

The volunteer panel members included physicians, government staff and experts in the area of mental illness. Dr. Stan Kutcher from the department of psychiatry at Dalhousie University chaired the group.

"I want to thank the experts who offered their advice on this issue which is of great importance to those responsible for public safety and those who deliver medical help," said Mr. Landry.

Government will now consult other health and justice first responders.

The full report is available [by clicking here (PDF)].

FOR BROADCAST USE:

A report on excited delirium was released today (September 4th), by Justice Minister Ross Landry.

The province commissioned the 38-page Report of the Panel of Mental Health and Medical Experts Review of Excited Delirium in November 2008.

It contains nine recommendations to help develop new protocols for Nova Scotia's law enforcement officers when responding to individuals displaying excited delirium symptoms.

The province will now seek input from Justice and Health first responders.

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Media Contact:

Sherri Aikenhead
Department of Justice
902-424-3313
E-mail: aikenhsl@gov.ns.ca