The packaged patient

I prefer to use padded limb restraints, with straps long enough to secure with overhand knots. You must immobilize the patient before beginning treatment. You can accomplish this by securing the patient to the backboard, first with restraints to the wrists and ankles, then with at least four backboard straps crisscrossing the patient. Limb restraints should be extremely tough, provide adequate cushion for application directly to skin, and have extremely long straps. This helps secure the patient to the backboard and enables you to tie knots farther away from the patient’s hands. With the patient secured in this manner, you can transport face up. Consider all restraints you apply in the field to be for short-term use only—to facilitate treatment.Inappropriate or excessive force can result in injury to the patient. Professional instruction minimizes the chances of improper use and abuse of body mechanics and restraint techniques.

Fire Engineering Sep 2008: Tactics For Combative Patients, Author: Michael W. Weaver