When may a patient be physically restrained?

When may a patient be physically restrained?

• A. When they present an immediate or serious threat of bodily harm to themselves or others
• B. When they are uncooperative
• C. When they are intoxicated
• D. When they refuse care

Answer: (A)

Restraints should be used only to prevent an immediate or serious threat of harm to the patient or to others. In EMS, safety comes first, and physical restraint is a last resort after trying de-escalation and obtaining voluntary cooperation. They carry real risks—airway or breathing compromise, circulation problems, and injury—so they must be used with the shortest duration possible, with continuous monitoring, and with proper release and documentation. They are not justified merely because a patient is uncooperative, intoxicated, or refuses care; those conditions do not constitute an imminent danger unless there is clear, immediate risk of harm.

Restraints should be used only to prevent an immediate or serious threat of harm to the patient or to others. In EMS, safety comes first, and physical restraint is a last resort after trying de-escalation and obtaining voluntary cooperation. They carry real risks—airway or breathing compromise, circulation problems, and injury—so they must be used with the shortest duration possible, with continuous monitoring, and with proper release and documentation. They are not justified merely because a patient is uncooperative, intoxicated, or refuses care; those conditions do not constitute an imminent danger unless there is clear, immediate risk of harm.