Upon arriving to assist a patient who has overdosed on PCP, what is the most correct action to take?

In situations involving a patient who has overdosed on PCP (phencyclidine), the primary concern is the patient's safety and management of their agitation or violent behavior. Calling for an Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit to administer medication is the most appropriate action because it allows for trained professionals to provide advanced interventions that may include the use of sedatives. Patients under the influence of PCP can experience severe agitation, hallucinations, and possibly violent behavior, which necessitates the use of pharmacological management to ensure not only the safety of the patient but also the safety of the EMTs and bystanders.

Advanced Life Support teams are equipped to handle such scenarios with the capability to administer medications that can effectively manage the patient's condition and provide a higher level of care, which is crucial given the unpredictable nature of reactions to PCP. This choice also allows for continuous monitoring and additional support during transport, which is essential for patients in such intensive situations.

While other options may seem helpful, they do not address the immediate need for appropriate medical intervention. Restraining the patient without using medication can increase agitation and create a dangerous environment. Moreover, attempting to verbally de-escalate the patient's agitation may not be effective due to the disorienting effects of PCP. Relying on