British Columbia Basic Security Training Practice Exam

What are symptoms of Excited Delirium?

1. Hallucinations, paranoia and difficulty breathing.

2. Cold skin, bad body odour and very aggressive behaviour.

3. Chest pains, nausea and shortness of breath.

4. Unexpected physical strength, impaired thinking and abnormal tolerance of pain.

The correct answer is: Unexpected physical strength, impaired thinking and abnormal tolerance of pain.

Excited delirium, often associated with drug use or serious mental illness, describes a state where individuals display extreme agitation, aggression, unexpected physical strength, and often a decreased sensitivity to pain. All of these characteristics are found in option D – "Unexpected physical strength, impaired thinking, and abnormal tolerance of pain". The robust physical strength of someone experiencing excited delirium can be unusual, especially if the individual is not athletically built. Impaired thinking can manifest as irrational or dangerous behavior, often with a disregard for personal safety and laws. Abnormal tolerance to pain is another sign of excited delirium; despite experiencing situations that would typically cause pain (such as tackling obstacles or resisting physical restraints), individuals in this state might not react as one would expect. In scenarios where public safety could be at risk, security personnel should be aware of these symptoms to identify potential cases of excited delirium promptly, ideally before an individual becomes a danger to themselves or others.