CD 843: Interventions to preserve life and prevent serious bodily harm

The process of assessing and managing the risk of an inmate engaging in self-harm that could lead to serious injury.

A system for restraining individuals who are in danger of harming themselves or others.

A specific type of observation where an inmate is closely monitored due to a high risk of self-harm.

A less strict level of observation for inmates with a risk of self-harm, where monitoring and access to personal items are adjusted based on ongoing assessment.

The authorization of an inmate's placement on High Watch or Modified Watch is based on:

A health professional monitors an inmate's mental health when immediate access to a healthcare professional is unavailable.

Inmates deemed at high risk of self-harm may be transferred to a specialized facility for intensive mental health care.

Regular review and analysis of video recordings associated with the use of the Pinel Restraint System.

A system used to monitor inmates at risk of self-harm or suicide. It involves constant observation and intervention to ensure safety.

The highest level of enhanced observation. Inmates on High Watch are under constant and direct supervision.

A less restrictive level of enhanced observation than High Watch, where inmates are monitored less frequently but still closely.

A type of enhanced observation tailored for inmates with mental health needs, involving monitoring and support from mental health professionals.

A physical restraint used for inmates exhibiting severe self-harm or posing a risk to themselves or others.

The process of evaluating an inmate's risk of self-harm or suicide, taking into account their mental health and behavior.

The action taken to prevent self-harm or suicide by an inmate. This includes strategies to de-escalate the situation and provide support.

A medical professional who conducts mental and physical health assessments and provides treatment planning for inmates.

A document used to formalize and record the referral of an inmate for mental health treatment or additional care.

The record of an inmate's case including details about their behavior, treatment, and any interventions provided.

The official guidelines that outline the procedures and principles for managing inmate behavior and ensuring their safety.

A document used by non-health care professionals to assess an inmate's immediate risk of suicide.

The process of actively de-escalating potentially harmful situations involving inmates, fostering a calmer environment.

The initial assessment of an inmate's suicide risk upon entering a correctional facility.

A specialized unit within a correctional facility dedicated to providing treatment and support for inmates with serious mental health conditions.

A system used to restrain inmates who are at risk of harming themselves or others, involving regular review and analysis of video recordings

The Chief, Mental Health Services, collects data on the use of the Pinel Restraint System and enhanced observation monthly to guide quality improvement initiatives.

The Regional Complex Mental Health Committee reviews data on the use of the Pinel Restraint System and enhanced observation quarterly to guide quality improvement initiatives.

The National Complex Mental Health Committee reviews data on the use of the Pinel Restraint System and enhanced observation bi-annually to guide quality improvement initiatives.

When an inmate is at risk of suicide or self-injury, they may be transferred to a Regional Treatment Centre or another suitable facility for intensive care.

An inmate who is on High Watch or Modified Watch, but has been under constant observation for more than 72 hours, is reviewed by the Interdisciplinary Mental Health Team.

An inmate who is on High Watch or Modified Watch, but has been under constant observation for more than five days, is reviewed by the Chief, Mental Health Services.

An inmate who is on High Watch or Modified Watch, but has been under constant observation for more than seven days, is reviewed by the Regional Complex Mental Health Committee.

The form used to record observations and assessments for inmates on High or Modified Watch. It includes details about the inmate's behavior, activities, and any interventions taken.

A form used to document the health care professional's assessment and advice regarding the need for High Watch or Modified Watch.

A form used to document the health care professional's assessment and advice regarding the need for Modified Watch.

A form used to document the institutional head's authorization for Mental Health Monitoring.

The inmate's medication administration profile is carefully reviewed within 24 hours of being placed on High or Modified Watch. This ensures safe medication management given the inmate's risk level.

A minimum of a security gown is provided to inmates on High Watch at all times. This safeguards the inmate from using clothing to attempt self-harm.

Inmates on High Watch are provided with fluids and food that can be easily consumed without cutlery or tableware. This minimizes the risk of self-harm with utensils.

Inmates on Modified Watch are allowed to have personal items, including clothing, books, and writing materials. This helps in normalizing the environment and reducing restrictions.

Camera surveillance is not considered sufficient for High or Modified Watch. A designated staff member must be present to monitor the inmate directly.

The level of supervision and monitoring an inmate receives based on their risk of self-harm or harm to others. It can range from no observation to high watch with constant monitoring.

Trained staff are responsible for applying and removing the Pinel Restraint System. This ensures that the restraint is used safely and effectively, and that the inmate's safety is prioritized.

The Pinel Restraint System is only used as a last resort after trying other, less restrictive measures and de-escalation strategies. This ensures that the least restrictive means are used to manage the inmate's behavior and that restraint is only used when necessary.

The use of the Pinel Restraint System should be for the shortest amount of time necessary to manage an emergency safety risk. This ensures that the restraint is only used for as long as absolutely needed and emphasizes the importance of minimizing its use.

The use of the Pinel Restraint System does not replace efforts to understand and address the causes of the inmate's behavior. This highlights that restraints are a temporary solution and that addressing the underlying issues is essential for long-term management.

The Pinel Restraint System should be applied and removed by trained staff to ensure that it is used safely and effectively. They are also responsible for monitoring the inmate while restrained.

Inmates placed in the Pinel Restraint System should be given the opportunity to provide input on the use of the restraints, be informed of the reason for placement in restraints and be provided reasonable access to relevant documentation. This ensures that inmates have some level of control and transparency in the process.

Restraints should only be used as a last resort with pregnant inmates and with the approval of a physician, with extra precautions to ensure their safety. This reflects the heightened vulnerability of pregnant inmates and the need for specialized care.

Constant, in-person monitoring of the restrained inmate is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being. This involves regular checks for signs of distress and prompt action in case of emergencies.

A health professional makes an in-person assessment within six hours of applying restraints, considering if restraints should be adjusted or removed.

Staff members offer opportunities for activities like eating, drinking, and using the restroom while an inmate is in the Pinel Restraint System.

Every 15 minutes for the first hour, then hourly or more frequently based on need. Assessments include checking if restraints can be adjusted or removed.

Correctional officers and nurses monitor an inmate in the Pinel Restraint System, with supervision provided by staff of the same gender when appropriate.

If a restraint strategy doesn't work within 24 hours, the Chief of Mental Health Services reviews the situation. This review considers alternatives, preventing future restraint use, and the need for specialized care.

The IMHT (Institutional Mental Health Team) keeps evaluating the intervention strategy daily if restraint use continues, with a review after 72 hours including the possibility of sending the inmate to a specialized facility.

The nurse checks the inmate's health after restraints are removed, and a health professional makes recommendations to reduce future harm, possibly including an enhanced observation level.

If an inmate is at immediate risk of harming themselves, the Current Risk of Suicide/Self-Injury Alert is activated. The alert becomes a historical record when the risk is gone.

The institution reviews all active Current Risk of Suicide/Self-Injury Alerts monthly to make sure they're accurate.

If an inmate has a severe mental illness with significant impairment, the Serious Mental Illness with Significant Impairment Alert is activated, which requires a weekly review.

The IMHT (Institutional Mental Health Team) develops a plan to reduce the need for restraints if they are needed for more than eight hours.

All staff members are encouraged to communicate openly with the inmate during and after restraints, promoting recovery and wellness.

Staff provides support to inmates who self-harm or have suicidal thoughts, using procedures outlined in CD 567.