Table 4 Important recommendation points in physical restraint
From: First line in psychiatric emergency: pre-hospital emergency protocol for mental disorders in Iran
• Explain the cause of restraint to the patient • Restraint belts and straps should be made of leather and be wide • Physical restraints should not use as punishment • The patient can see at least one technician • Speak with the patient in a calm and slow tone during a restraint • Take care of the patient’s head during restraint • Only restraint the patient’s hand and legs. • Check the patient’s vital signs, especially the pulse of extremities under the restraints. • Extremities should not be under pressure, • The patient should be able to move extremities under the restraints. • Do not use damaged equipment for restraining patients • The ambulance stretcher used for restraint its height should be at the lowest level • Control patient for the level of consciousness and dehydration • All actions should be documented • Do not put the patient in a prone position • Call the police • After physical restraining, pharmacological restraint should be applied |