Brought by Gardaí

Introduction

• The Gardaí are often called to deal with individuals who present with unusual or concerning behaviours. If the individual is not posing an immediate risk to themselves or others (for example, an elderly lady who is confused and wandering) the Gardaí will contact the pre-hospital emergency medical services i.e. ambulance
• If the Gardaí are concerned the individual is posing an immediate behavioural risk (for example an intoxicated man threatening to jump in the river) the individual will be brought to the Garda station and assessed by a doctor
• If the Garda doctor identifies an emergency physical health problem the doctor may refer to the ED. As part of the assessment the doctor will assess the patient’s capacity to accept care in the emergency department. Under these circumstances referrals to an ED can be categorised into one of the following:
  • Voluntary (below)
  • Doctrine of Necessity (lacks capacity and immediate risk)
  • Detained in Garda custody
• When referring to the ED, the Garda Doctor will call the emergency department and communicate the clinical handover to the department in addition to writing a referral letter which details which category the referral falls into (see proforma attached)

Categories

Links

• Garda GP Referral form — Send to Local ACUTE MENTAL HEALTH UNIT
• Rapid tranquillisation page
• Restraint (imminent violence page)
• Refusing treatment page