(3)
Bring the other end of the sheet over the patient's chest.
(4) Keeping the sheet over the patient's chest and arms, tuck the free end of
sheet snugly under other side of mattress.
CAUTION:
This restraint should in no way take the place of side rails and should be
considered one of the lease effective methods of restraints.
NOTE:
If further restriction is desired, sheets may be applied in the same manner at
the level of the patient's abdomen, legs, knees, and/or ankles.
f. Field Expedient Restraints. Under field conditions, standard restraining
devices may not be available. However, violent patients must be restrained. By utilizing
materials commonly carried by the soldier in the field, patients can be effectively placed in
field-expedient restraints. Field expedient restraints may be improvised from such items
as two litters, rifle slings, web belts, bandoleers, and cravats (folded cloth). The field-
expedient restraints should be replaced with regular restraining devices as soon as
possible and should not be used for long periods of time. With any field-expedient
restraint, the same considerations used in applying regular restraints must be followed.
(1) Mixed equipment. A variety of equipment (rifle slings, web belts,
bandoleers, cravats, rope, and so forth) can be used to restrain a patient in the field. See
figure 3-4 for an example.
Figure 3-4. Mixed equipment restraint.
(2)
Double litters with litter strap.
NOTE:
Be sure to obtain adequate help to assist with the patient.
(a)
Place the patient on the litter in the prone position and turn his head
to one side.
(b) Place each of the patient's hands along his thigh and use wrist
restraints to secure his hands to the litter.
(c)
Place the other litter, carrying side down, on top of the patient.
(d)
Bind litters together with two or more litter straps (figure 3-5).
MD0549
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