Restrictive Techniques

Restrictive Techniques

Table of Contents

Disclaimer

The restrictive techniques outlined in this document are intended solely for use as a last resort in situations where there is an immediate and serious risk to personal safety or the safety of others. These techniques are designed to minimise harm and must not be used as a form of punishment, control, or aggression. All restrictive interventions should only be conducted with two suitably trained members of staff to minimise the risk of injury to all parties and to ensure proper oversight. These interventions must be carried out with the utmost care to preserve the dignity and rights of the individual. Skills Shop Ltd provides this information for educational purposes only and cannot accept liability for any misuse, injury, or damage arising from the application of these techniques. It is the responsibility of the individual and their organisation to ensure that proper training has been undertaken and that these techniques are implemented in compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and workplace policies, including obtaining appropriate authorisation where required.

Service User Lead

Whenever possible, it is essential that the service user guides the movement during any physical intervention. If the service user attempts to fall to the ground, staff should release any hold and allow them to go to the floor safely. Once the service user is standing, staff may re-engage if the individual continues to pose a threat to themselves, staff, or other service users.

Outside Wrist Hold: Relaxed

Similar to the non-restrictive guide except this time:

  1. Stand beside the service user, gently placing your nearest hand on their lower back.
  2. Use your outer arm to grasp the service user’s wrist, ensuring that your thumb is positioned on top.
  3. The other staff member mirrors the action on the opposite side, ensuring both arms cross over against the service user’s lower back.

Outside Wrist Hold: Restricted

Similar to the relaxed hold above except this time:

  1. Ensure your arms lock around the service users hip.
  2. Position your hip and inside leg close to the service user’s. The other staff member mirrors this action on the opposite side.

Inside Wrist Hold

  1. Use the arm closest to the service user to grasp the inside of their wrist, ensuring your thumb is positioned on top.
  2. Gently move their wrist back towards their body so that their arm forms a right angle at the elbow.
  3. Your outer arm can then be used to guide them.

Cupped Fist

This is used if the service user forms a fist whilst in a hold.

  1. Use your outer arm to cup the service user’s fist.
  2. Slide your inner arm beneath their arm and replace your outer arm, taking control of their fist.
  3. Gently move their wrist back towards their body so that their arm forms a right angle at the elbow.
  4. Use your outer arm to assist as a guide.

Straight Arm Lock: Relaxed

  1. From the side, use your outer arm to grasp the service user’s wrist, coming underneath their arm.
  2. Position your inner arm beneath their arm and hold their bicep.
  3. Gently guide their wrist downward and outward to extend their arm into a straight, locked position.

Straight Arm Lock: Restrictive

Same as the relaxed straight arm lock except:

  1. Once the arm is extended straight, step your outer leg backward.
  2. Rotate outward so that your inner shoulder aligns against the back of the service user.

Straight Arm Lock: Reversed

This can be initiated either from the straight arm lock (relaxed) position or by approaching the service user.

  1. Use your outer arm to take control of the service user’s wrist.
  2. Slide your inner arm underneath and grasp the back of their bicep.
  3. Align your inner shoulder with the service user’s shoulder.
  4. Gently guide their wrist outward and downward, locking their arm straight with the wrist facing upwards.

Figure of 4 Lock

This can be initiated from a reversed straight arm lock.

  1. Use the hand controlling the wrist to guide the arm towards the service user’s lower back.
  2. Transfer control of the wrist to your inner hand.
  3. Use your original hand to support the service user’s elbow.

Seated Position: Single Chair or Bean Bag

This can be initiated from any forward facing hold.

  1. Guide the service user backwards to an appropriate seat and instruct them to sit down.
  2. As they begin to sit, step back and lower yourself onto your outer knee.
  3. Once the service user is seated and settled, staff should disengage while facing the service user, with palms visible to demonstrate a non-threatening posture.

Seated Position: Sofa or Bench

This can be initiated from any forward facing hold.

  1. Guide the service user backwards to an appropriate seat and instruct them to sit down.
  2. As they begin to sit, lower yourself alongside them, staying close.
  3. Position their wrist on their thigh, and use your inner arm to slide your elbow between their arm and body. Secure your grip by holding your own wrist for support.
  4. When disengaging, instruct the service user to keep their hands resting on their thighs.

Seated Kicking

This can be initiated from seated position (sofa or bench)

As the service user begins to kick, position your inner leg over their thigh.

Avoid restricting their kicking motion, as they will naturally tire over time.

Created: 3 December 2024
Last Modified: 3 December 2024
Author: Phil Newton

Version: Version: 1.04