PSA is the use of analgesics, sedatives, and dissociative agents to perform urgent painful and emotionally challenging procedures on patients in a humane, safe and controlled fashion.

What makes PSA possible in the ED is the comfort of EM docs with a host of sedative agents and the ability to prepare for and handle any complications stemming from sedation.

For quick reference we’ve distilled the most commonly used PSA meds their doses and some of their nuances.