Also See: North Coast EMS Patient Restraints Policy #6036, Combative Patient policy #6035 & Sedation (Chemical Restraint) policy #6552
Restraints applied by law enforcement require the officer’s continued presence to ensure patient and scene management control.
- When possible, the law enforcement officer will accompany the patient in the ambulance.
- If the law enforcement officer is unable to accompany the patient in the ambulance, the officer must follow the transport vehicle, driving in tandem over a pre-determined route and with established radio communication (may be conducted though dispatch if direct communications are not possible).
Restraints should be used as a last resort and only when necessary in those situations where the individual is exhibiting or has exhibited behavior deemed to present imminent danger to the individual or others. Individuals requiring restraints should be transported by ambulance. Any individual who is sufficiently violent to require the use of metal handcuffs must be restrained by a law enforcement officer. Handcuffs should be replaced by another method of restraint if the individual is transported in an ambulance.