When may restraints be removed?

When may restraints be removed?

• A. When care is transferred at the receiving facility or patient condition has changed to warrant removal
• B. Immediately upon arrival at the receiving facility
• C. After the patient complains
• D. When transport ends

Answer: (A)

Restraints should be removed only as part of a safe transition of care or when the patient’s condition changes to a point where removal is appropriate. The priority is ongoing safety for both patient and crew, so you keep restraints in place during transport and hand off to the receiving facility, unless the patient’s condition has improved or changed to make removal safe. Removing restraints simply because the patient complains, or automatically on arrival, or at the end of transport, can jeopardize safety. If removal is warranted, reassess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, ensure they can maintain safety without restraint, and document the time and reason for removal.

Restraints should be removed only as part of a safe transition of care or when the patient’s condition changes to a point where removal is appropriate. The priority is ongoing safety for both patient and crew, so you keep restraints in place during transport and hand off to the receiving facility, unless the patient’s condition has improved or changed to make removal safe. Removing restraints simply because the patient complains, or automatically on arrival, or at the end of transport, can jeopardize safety. If removal is warranted, reassess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation, ensure they can maintain safety without restraint, and document the time and reason for removal.