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🛏️ Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS)

UseWhen to use: titration of sedation and agitation management (alternative to RASS).

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StrataMany protocols target 3–4; pair with delirium screening.

LimitsWhen not to use: as a delirium diagnosis. · Pitfall: equating SAS numbers directly to RASS. · Address pain and ventilator synchrony in agitation.

SourceRiker RR et al. Crit Care Med 1999 (SAS)

Runs locally in your browser (no PHI uploaded). For licensed clinicians — not a substitute for clinical judgement.
Stored on this device for revisit reminders

This-shift next steps

After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.

Scene next step
📋sedation deliriumOpen scene pack →
Related scores
Matching pathway
🧭benzo_odOpen pathway →
Score + version; reference only — not a substitute for care · no HIS write

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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Clinical takeaway

1–7 scale.

When to use

When to use: titration of sedation and agitation management (alternative to RASS).

How it works

1 unarousable → 4 calm/cooperative → 7 dangerous agitation.

Key points

  • 1–7 scale.
  • Target often 3–4.
  • Next: RASS / CAM-ICU.

References

Worked calculation

The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.

Best matching SAS level4 — Calm and cooperative: calm, awakens easily, follows commands

→SAS4/7

  • Cue：Often targeted calm/cooperative band
Best matching SAS level1 — Unarousable: minimal/no response to noxious stimuli

→SAS1/7

  • Cue：More sedated than calm — review sedation goal / oversedation
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
How is Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (SAS) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
Inputs: Best matching SAS level 4 — Calm and cooperative: calm, awakens easily, follows commands → Result: SAS 4 /7（Cue: Often targeted calm/cooperative band） Inputs: Best matching SAS level 1 — Unarousable: minimal/no response to noxious stimuli → Result: SAS 1 /7（Cue: More sedated than calm — review sedation goal / oversedation）
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