The Ramsay Sedation Scale

The Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) was the first scale to be defined for sedated patients and was designed as a test of rousability. The RSS scores sedation at six different levels, according to how rousable the patient is. It is an intuitively obvious scale and therefore lends itself to universal use, not only in the ICU, but wherever sedative drugs or narcotics are given. It can be added to the pain score and be considered the sixth vital sign.

Ramsay Sedation Scale

1   Patient is anxious and agitated or restless, or both

2   Patient is cooperative, oriented and tranquil

3   Patient responds to commands only

4   Patient exhibits brisk response to light glabellar tap or loud auditory stimulus

5   Patient exhibits a sluggish response to light glabellar tap or loud auditory stimulus

6   Patient exhibits no response