Corrections Community

Recently, I have been thinking about the use of restraint chairs in our facility and our role in the Psych Services Division in monitoring or sanctioning their use. Our policy seems to give wide berth in terms of less severe threat of harm -to- immiment life threatening risk  (in both cases- to self as well as others) - But this is not in any course I ever took - so I am interested in what role other mental health staff play in this process in their Detention Facilities.

 Thanks, JJ Larson

 

I recommend avoiding the use of a restraint chair. The risk of deep venous thrombosis (blood clot) can be high since the extremities are hanging down to the floor causing blood to pool easier in the legs. Instead a restraint bed is safer since the extremities are horizontal. Still with a bed there is risk of blood clots. Range of motion exercises are needed at least every two hours to help avoid clots. Also pay attention to medical illnesses than place inmates at risk for clots. If a blood clot gets loose it may pass thru the heart and enter the lungs and cause a life threatening pulmonary embolus. There have been some states that have gotten away from the chairs because of this.

Hello, the chair should only be used for the transport of inmates out side of your facility. For use in the facility you should use 5 point restraints on a gurney. Attached should help. This is used both by ICE and BOP