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Seizures and Restraints

Sat, 11/27/2004 - 11:25
Can someone help me out here? This past weekend, I wound up at the hands of the EMTs of my area. My ride to the ER was a literal nightmare.My question is: Is it just this area of NJ or is it nationwide that EMTs believe that it's acceptable to use restraints on the patient of a seizure call? ALMOST EVERY SINGLE TIME they respond they seem to think that it's not only okay, but required, even when told not to by family or friends. At least in this instance, they didn't use the police officers' handcuffs! Usually were it not for the restraints, the aches and pains would be ending by now. My back feels like it was used for a trampoline, my shoulders feel as if they were dislocated and replaced and I have bruises that cannot be explained by any stretch of the imagination as resulting from a seizure.Any suggestions on enlightening them?

Comments

RE: Seizures and Restraints

Submitted by Mersix on Wed, 2004-02-11 - 19:45
I had never thought about being hauled off in an ambulance, so the thought shocked and disturbed me. But then I thought about a severe seizure, in the back of an ambulance and thought "well maybe there is a reason for the restraints." I can only think with all the equipment and the close quarters what a disaster it would be if one happened. But I am not advocating something if it is not necessary. One of us must know an EMT that can shed a little light on the subject. I am sorry for the wide awake nightmare and hope it doesn't happen again.

RE: Seizures and Restraints

Submitted by USMALE on Thu, 2004-02-12 - 14:50
Mersix, I have to disagree. I thank you for your opinion, but I also thought about that. The overriding concern, must be for the welfare of the patient. As much as you might hear that dislocations don't happen, I'm living proof that they do. If you're tied down. My right shoulder was dislocated when I was a teenager due to just this thing. I had surgery to repair it. All was fine until it happened again. I'm scared to think of the damage that has been done to my back from me struggling, let alone from seizeing. I would like to see these people trained. But more than that, a little common sense goes a long way. There is never a reason to restrain a seizure patient. Belt me in, fine. Everyone gets belted in. Unless I've been arrested, keep the restraints away from me. If I remember MY training, we use restraints on people who are being arrested or detained....

RE: Seizures and Restraints

Submitted by Mersix on Thu, 2004-02-12 - 17:08
I tend to agree with you, but some one has to play devils advocate sometimes. Medical professionals rarely if ever listen to a patient, I have delt with that frustation many times too. I am still interested in the consequences of and grand mal seizure in an ambulance en route to the hospital if the only restaint is the belt. Now I am simply curious, not advocating restraint. ;-) Mersix

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