Ketamine Versus Haloperidol for Severe Agitation Outside the Hospital

A Double Blinded Randomized Trial of Ketamine Versus Haloperidol for Severe Prehospital Agitation

This research study is being done to find out if one of two drugs, ketamine or haloperidol, is better for treating agitation. Agitation is a state of extreme emotional disturbance where patients can become physically aggressive or violent, endangering themselves and those who are caring for them. Often chemical substances or severe mental illness is involved in this level of agitation. Specifically, the investigators are interested in studying agitation that is treated in the prehospital setting by paramedics. This study's hypothesis is that ketamine is superior to haloperidol for treatment of agitation in the prehospital environment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of severe agitation in the prehospital environment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prisoners
• Persons known to be younger than 18 years old
• Persons suspected to be younger than 18 years old
• Obviously gravid women
• Persons with profound agitation
• Persons who are unable to be transported to the treating facility