Information for patients who have received sedation in the Emergency Department (ED)

Introduction:

This leaflet gives you information about what to expect on leaving the ED after having had sedation.

You have been given a sedative medication to assist with your procedure. You may experience a short period of memory loss during the time the sedation is effective. This medication may also impair your judgment for up to 24 hours.

Sedation:

Sedation involves using small amounts of anaesthetic drugs to produce a ‘sleep-like’ state. It makes you physically and mentally relaxed, but not unconscious.

If you have sedation, you may remember little or nothing about the procedure.

You will have been monitored in the ED until the doctor feels you have recovered enough to be discharged.

Advice:

The effects of some of the drugs may last up to 24-48 hours. Whilst these are in your body it is important that you:

Do have a responsible adult with you.
Do drink plenty of fluids and eat a light diet.
Do avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.

Do Not operate any machinery, this includes using a cooker or drive.
Do Not sign important legal documents.
Do Not lock yourself in a room alone.

You should continue to take your usual prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by the doctor.

You can take simple over the counter pain relief such as Paracetamol for pain as recommended on the medicines information.

Contact numbers

Bradford Royal Infirmary; Emergency Department: 01274 272747 or contact your GP
For more information on sedation, see the link below:
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/patients/patient-information-resources/patient-information-leaflets-video-resources/sedation-explained