When the Provider Impression of Alcohol Intoxication is made, what additional action should be considered to manage the patient?

• A. Dispatch a specialized Mobile Integrated Health Unit to medically clear the patient and transport to a Sobering Center
• B. Transport immediately to ED
• C. No additional action
• D. Contact the police

Answer: (A)

When intoxication is on the assessment, the goal is to match the patient's needs with the most appropriate place for care. A Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) unit can medically clear the patient on scene and, if they meet criteria, transport them to a Sobering Center for observation and recovery rather than sending them straight to the emergency department. This leverages a setting designed for intoxicated individuals, providing monitoring until sober while conserving ED resources for true emergencies. The patient should be medically stable—vital signs acceptable, no acute injuries or conditions needing ED treatment—for this pathway to be appropriate. If there are ongoing medical concerns, instability, signs of withdrawal needing acute management, or injuries, then ED transport remains necessary. Police involvement isn’t routinely needed for a standard intoxication disposition unless safety or legal issues are present.