Physical and Chemical Restraints (an Update)

Link to article at PubMed

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2020 May;38(2):437-451. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2020.02.002.

ABSTRACT

Violent, combative and intoxicated patients are a common problem in the emergency department, and the emergency physician must be prepared to control the situation safely and effectively when a patient begins to exhibit dangerous behavior. This article reviews initial de-escalation techniques to reduce the need for patient restraint. It then details the 2 types of restraints (physical and chemical) and the clear indications for each type. The high-risk nature of utilization of restraints is reviewed, as well as the means by which to ensure patient and staff safety and decrease adverse outcomes.

PMID:32336335 | DOI:10.1016/j.emc.2020.02.002

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *