CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL RESTRAINT

see also Chemical/Physical restraint in Clinical protocols.

  • Regardless of whether a patient is detained under the Mental Health Act or under duty of care, a doctor is allowed to use whatever reasonable means available to prevent a patient from leaving or causing harm - this includes the use of physical restraints or sedatives
  • It is presumed that a doctor will employ the most minimal intervention to achieve these goals
  • Any necessary paperwork e.g. Detention order (Form 1) should be filled out and signed as soon as practicable i.e. restraint may precede prior to the order being signed
  • All patients must be assessed and diagnosed for an underlying cause
  • The Emergency Response Team must be called for physical restraint (see Code Black)

 

Disclaimer: Note: The information described here relates solely to operational matters in the Emergency Department.  Every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the content. However, neither the author or the hospital will take responsibility for errors resulting from its use.  Please refer to your own departmental guidelines and verify all clinical decisions with a reliable source.  

Date Last Reviewed: 05/08/2004