24 Questions
What is the preferred position for a patient on a backboard when handcuffs are applied?
Supine
Who will accompany a restrained patient being transported to the hospital?
A law enforcement deputy
What is the minimum number of paramedics required to accompany a restrained patient to the hospital?
Two
What should be done if a restrained patient's condition deteriorates during transport?
Remove the restraints and treat the patient according to fire rescue protocols
What type of monitoring device is used to track a restrained patient's oxygen saturation?
Pulse oximeter
Who is notified immediately when a restrained patient is being transported to the hospital?
A fire rescue battalion chief
What is the purpose of continuously monitoring a restrained patient's airway?
To ensure the patient's safety
When can monitoring devices be removed from a restrained patient?
After the patient is transferred to the hospital stretcher
What is the primary intention of the Fire Rescue Physical Restraint Policy?
To protect the patient, other individuals, and our personnel from harm
What is considered a restraint according to the policy?
Any mechanism that physically restricts a person's freedom of movement
When may the use of a restraint and/or law enforcement assistance be necessary?
After feasible, less restrictive measures are deemed ineffective or unavailable
What type of situation may require the use of a restraint?
Clinically justified situations, patients who attempt an act that poses an immediate threat of harm, and patients who exhibit harmful behaviors
How should patients be positioned when using a partial or full restraint?
Supine on a long spine board or stretcher
What is a critical consideration when using restraints according to the policy?
That restraints do not restrict a patient's breathing
What is excluded from the definition of restraints in the policy?
Medical devices
What is the purpose of continually assessing patients when using restraints?
To ensure restraints do not restrict a patient's breathing
When is physically holding a patient necessary?
When there is an immediate need to protect the patient or others from harm
What should fire rescue employees avoid when attempting a restraint?
Utilizing a choke hold
What should law enforcement deputies attempt to receive before physically restraining a person who refuses medical treatment?
Direct supervision from a physician
Who should be present during the restraint procedure?
Both law enforcement deputies and fire rescue employees
What is a potential risk that fire rescue employees should be aware of during the restraint process?
Positional asphyxia
What type of restraint may law enforcement deputies elect to use during a restraint situation?
Handcuffs or flex cuffs
What is the primary goal of restraint methods?
To protect the patient or others from harm
Why should the maximum number of fire rescue and law enforcement deputies necessary be utilized during manual restraint?
To limit the chance of harm to the patient or employees
Study Notes
Fire Rescue Physical Restraint Policy
- The policy aims to establish guidelines for physical and/or chemical restraint to protect patients, individuals, and personnel from harm.
Defining Restraint
- Restraint is defined as any mechanism that restricts a person's freedom of movement, physical activity, or normal access to their body.
Circumstances for Restraint
- Restraint may be necessary in clinically justified situations, when patients pose an immediate threat of harm to themselves or others, or exhibit harmful behaviors.
Methods of Restraint
- Patients will be placed supine on a long spine board or stretcher, not in prone, hog-tie, or hobble positions.
- Fire rescue employees will continually assess and ensure restraints do not restrict a patient's breathing.
Monitoring a Restrained Patient
- Patients will be monitored continuously using:
- 12 or 3 lead ECG
- Oxygen saturation with a pulse oximeter
- Blood pressure (full vital signs)
- Mental status monitoring
- Patients will be visually monitored for airway at all times.
- At least two paramedics will accompany a restrained patient to the hospital.
- Monitoring devices will remain attached until the patient is transferred to the emergency department stretcher.
Additional Guidelines
- Physically holding a patient may be necessary when employing other methods of restraint to protect the patient or others.
- Fire rescue employees will attempt to contact law enforcement for assistance when using manual restraint.
- Manual restraint will be used to limit the chance of harm to the patient or employees.
- Fire rescue employees will avoid using choke holds and placing excessive weight on the patient's back, abdomen, or chest.
- Fire rescue employees will be aware of the potential for positional asphyxia.
Restraint by Law Enforcement Deputies
- Law enforcement deputies may use handcuffs or flex cuffs during a restraint situation.
- Before physically restraining a person who refuses medical treatment, a law enforcement deputy will attempt to receive direct supervision from a physician through two-way voice communication.
Learn about the procedures for transporting restrained patients in fire rescue vehicles, including the use of backboards and law enforcement accompaniment.
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