All I know is what I see on TV & movies so I am an expert.
It would seem that they could put a small dose of some sort of sleeping agent. A slow increase in the concentration to just make him sleepy. He can't stay awake forever.
The good news is they have real experts there that know a little more than us. It is a tough situation. I really feel sorry for the kid. If he survives he will need a lot of counseling.