ABSTRACT
The most common method of deliberate self-harm is by acute poisoning. More violent methods of self-harm include cutting the wrists or throat, shooting, hanging, suffocation, gassing, jumping from a height or in front of a vehicle, and drowning. Perform a formal psychiatric assessment when the patient has made a full recovery, is alert and orientated, and all necessary medical therapy is com- pleted. This will help plan the further management of the patient with the psychiatric team. Much violence encountered by staff in the emergency department will be the result of alcohol intoxication, either by the patient or sometimes by relatives or friends, who may be irritated and angry at having to wait when the department is busy. Alcohol misuse is related to many emergency department presentations, from falls, collapse, head injury and assault to non-specific gastrointestinal problems, psychiatric problems and the ‘frequent attender’.
