Sudden death during restraint: A study to measure the effect of restraint positions on the rate of recovery from exercise

A small number of mental health patients have died suddenly following viole nt behaviour and restraint by staff. The safety of certain restraint positi ons has been questioned. This study evaluates two control and restraint (C & R) positions commonly used by health service staff. A repeated measures d esign was used to study rate of recovery from exercise in volunteer staff, measured by pulse oximetry, comparing the restraint positions with a seated (control) position. It was found that the recovery time for pulse rate of subjects restrained i n a face-down position was significantly longer than for subjects restraine d in a face-up position. No significant findings were made in terms of comp arison between the control position and the restraint positions, and no sig nificant changes in oxygen saturation were noted during restraint. It is co ncluded that restraint position may be a factor in death during restraint, but only where other factors contribute to the overall situation.