A step-by-step guide for psychiatric emergencies at Parth Hospital Ahmedabad.
🚨 When Crisis Hits: Your First 60 Minutes
Patient’s family: “When our father started hallucinating at 2 AM, we panicked and wasted time arguing about calling a doctor or waiting till morning.”
The lesson: Having a plan makes all the difference between chaos and calm response.
🎯 Immediate Crisis Response Plan
Step-by-Step: First 10 Minutes
1️⃣ ENSURE SAFETY (2 minutes)
↓
2️⃣ CALL FOR HELP (3 minutes)
↓
3️⃣ PREPARE FOR HOSPITAL (5 minutes)
1️⃣ Safety First – Protect Everyone
| Immediate Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Remove sharp objects | Knives, scissors, blades out of reach |
| Clear medicines | All tablets/syrups locked away |
| Remove ropes/wires | Anything for self-harm |
| 2+ adults present | Never leave them alone |
| Clear exit path | If you need to leave quickly |
If violent: Keep safe distance, speak calmly but firmly, call 108 immediately. Your safety matters too.
Learn about our 24×7 Emergency Services.
2️⃣ Call for Help – Who to Contact
Priority 1
🏥 Parth Hospital Emergency: +91 97242 01332 / +91 98797 25516 (also see Contact page for directions & hours)
🚑 Ambulance: 108 (if uncontrollable)
👨⚕️ Patient’s psychiatrist (if they have one)
Priority 2
2–3 reliable family members – someone who can drive.
Brief message: “Medical emergency, going to hospital.”
3️⃣ Hospital Bag Essentials
Must Bring:
✅ Aadhaar cards (patient & family)
✅ All medicine bottles (not just list—actual bottles)
✅ Insurance documents
✅ Past prescriptions/reports
✅ Comfortable clothes, phone + charger, glasses
DO NOT bring: Sharp objects, glass items, belts, jewelry, etc.
🗣️ Crisis Communication: Words That Help
What to Say vs. What NOT to Say
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Right | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| “तुम पागल हो” (You’re crazy) | “मुझे तुम्हारी चिंता है” (I’m worried about you) | Builds trust |
| “कुछ नहीं है” (Nothing is there) | “मुझे नहीं दिख रहा, पर मैं समझता हूँ तुम डरे हो” (I don’t see it, but I understand you’re scared) | Validates feelings |
| “बस संभालो अपने को” (Just control yourself) | “मैं यहाँ हूँ, हम साथ मिलकर निकलेंगे” (I’m here, we’ll get through together) | Provides support |
| “लोग क्या कहेंगे” (What will people say) | “तुम्हारी सेहत सबसे ज़रूरी है” (Your health is most important) | Removes shame |
The CALM Technique
C – Calm voice: Speak softly, slowly
A – Agree on basics: “Yes, let’s sit. Want water?”
L – Listen without arguing: Don’t correct their reality
M – Move to safety: Gently guide toward hospital
Example: “I see you’re very upset. Let’s sit together. Should I make chai? I think seeing a doctor will help you feel better.”
For more conversation guidance: How to Talk to People About Your Mental Illness?
🏥 At Parth Hospital: First 2 Hours Timeline
🚪 ARRIVAL (10 min)
– Check-in, quick assessment
– Private waiting area
↓
🩺 MEDICAL SCREENING (30 min)
– Vitals, lab tests if needed
– Rule out physical causes
↓
🧠 PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT (45-60 min)
– Doctor interviews patient & family
– Mental status check, risk assessment
↓
📋 TREATMENT PLAN (30 min)
– Immediate care decisions
– Admission or home with follow-up
BE READY TO ANSWER
- When did changes start? (dates if possible)
- Any trigger? (job loss, exam stress, family event?)
- Past mental health history? (patient or family)
- Current medications? (all medicines, including Ayurvedic)
- Substance use? (alcohol, drugs—be honest, it’s confidential)
💊 Treatment Options
| Situation | Likely Treatment | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Suicidal/violent | Hospital admission (3-7 days typically) | Until safe |
| Psychosis (hallucinations) | Medication + observation | May need admission |
| Severe agitation | Calming medication + counseling | Hours to days |
| Medication adjustment | Outpatient + close follow-up | Starts immediately |
Our Approach at Parth Hospital
We DON’T:
❌ Use restraints unless medically essential
❌ Separate family from patient
❌ Over-medicate just to “sedate”
We DO:
✅ Include family in planning
✅ Use minimum necessary medication
✅ Respect cultural/religious needs
✅ Provide family education (start here: Mental Health Awareness library)
💰 Understanding Costs
Typical Crisis Visit (Approximate)
| Service | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency consultation | ₹2,000-5,000 | Fully covered |
| Tests / Screening | ₹1,500-3,000 | Partially covered |
| Medications | ₹500-2,000 | Fully covered |
| Admission (per day) | ₹5,000-15,000 | Fully covered |
Insurance: Many policies cover psychiatric emergencies; Ayushman Bharat covers mental health. For claim help or estimates, contact us.
Payment plans available for families who need assistance.
👨👩👧👦 Family Roles During Crisis
Primary Caregiver (1 person):
- Stays with patient
- Talks to doctors
- Makes decisions
Support Person (1-2 people):
- Handles paperwork
- Updates family
- Brings items from home
Home Team:
- Cares for children/elderly
- Prepares home for patient’s return
Important: Only 2–3 people at hospital. Don’t bring entire extended family.
Helpful read:
Warning Signs Your Mental Health May Be Declining
Progression of Psychiatric Illness Over Time
🚫 If Patient Refuses Hospital
Try these:
- Different family member asks (someone they trust)
- Call it “doctor check-up” not “psychiatric hospital”
- Home visit option (we provide evaluations at home)
- Wait for calmer moment if not immediately dangerous
If immediate danger: Call 108. Police can assist with safe transport under the Mental Healthcare Act 2017. For urgent guidance, call +91 97242 01332.
🏡 After Hospital: First 48 Hours
You’ll Receive:
- ✅ Medication schedule (set phone reminders)
- ✅ Follow-up appointment (within 3-7 days)
- ✅ Warning signs to watch
- ✅ Emergency contact numbers
Your Responsibilities:
- 24-hour watch initially
- Never skip medication
- Remove stressors when possible
- Create calm environment
- Attend all follow-ups
Explore next: Loneliness & Mental Health Risks
❤️ You Are Not Alone
The Kapoor family: “We thought we were the only ones facing this shame. At Parth Hospital, we met many families like us. We learned—this is medical, not moral failure.”
Mental health crises happen in every type of family: rich, poor, educated, religious, modern, traditional. You did nothing wrong. This is brain chemistry, not character.
🏥 Parth Hospital Ahmedabad – 24/7 Emergency Care
When a crisis hits, we’re ready. Experienced team. Compassionate care. Family-centered approach.
📍 Best Psychiatrist in Ahmedabad – Parth Hospital
📞 Emergency & Appointments: +91 97242 01332 / +91 98797 25516
🕘 Contact & Hours • Emergency Services
RELATED READING:
All about ECT as a Caregiver (Easy-T)
Electroconvulsive Therapy / Brief Pulse Therapy (BPT) – Procedure Page
A Day in Our ECT Suite: Safety First
Expressed Emotions & Schizophrenia Outcomes
Silencing Schizophrenia Voices with rTMS
“In a crisis, action saves lives. Your quick response is the first step to recovery.”
