Common law includes a person's right to protect themselves from attack and to act in the defence of others. If no more force is used than is reasonable and proportionate to repel the attack, such force is not unlawful and no crime is committed. Furthermore, a person about to be attacked does not have to wait for their assailant to strike the first blow.
The key word is 'reasonable' and the issue of reasonableness is a question of fact to be decided in each case. There have been a number of high profile cases where the intended victim had become the perpetrator of a crime, and have been prosecuted and imprisoned as a result of the actions taken purportedly in self-defence. For an example see the case of Anthony Edward Martin (1999).
Remember it is better to prevent an incident than deal with it later!
Be aware that alcoholism is an illness. Patients need to be treated with dignity and respect Patients need understanding and time given to allow them to confide in you and gain trust, they have often had poor experiences in the past
Remember: Alcohol acts as a depressant and slows down the activity of the brain therefore if stopped suddenly the brain goes into over drive as the blood alcohol falls abruptly
Don't forget: Typical features of falling blood alcohol levels include tremors, profuse sweating, hallucinations, insomnia and raised anxiety. This is when communication needs to be at it's best as patients are vulnerable
Why Librium is so important: Librium acts as the depressant in place of alcohol and slows down the activity of the brain again. Therefore if given via a reducing regime at the correct titrated dose, it will prevent levels falling abruptly and prevent withdrawals
Imagine your worst hangover ever: You are vomiting have diarrhoea and are unsure of where you are. Then add on that people are staring at you and trying to stick needles in your arm. How would you feel? How would you wish to be treated?
The Intoxicated patient: Leave them don't jump straight in. Don't get into a discussion or argument if they have capacity and are wanting to leave then let them ,ensuring protocol is followed and security are informed before the situation gets out of hand. Intoxicated patients often think security are the police and if handled correctly, listen to them.
USE THIS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE AND NOT AGAINST THEM. Remember you cannot fight fire with fire