What should be documented in the PCR when restraining a patient?

• A. The reason they were needed; the type of restraint; the condition of the patient while restrained, including cardiac & respiratory status, and CMS of restrained extremities; re-evaluations during transport; condition at transfer; any injury to the patient or EMS personnel
• B. The patient’s favorite color
• C. The time of day restraints were applied
• D. The patient’s insurance information

Answer: (A)

Documenting restraint events focuses on safety, clinical status, and accountability. You document the reason restraints were needed to justify the action and the potential risks involved, and the type of restraint used to show the method and its implications. Then you capture the patient’s status while restrained, including cardiac and respiratory status, and CMS of the restrained extremities (circulation, movement, sensation) to detect any compromise from the restraints. It’s essential to note re-evaluations during transport to demonstrate ongoing monitoring and any changes that would require intervention. The condition at transfer communicates the patient’s status to the receiving team, and recording any injury to the patient or EMS personnel covers safety and legal considerations.

Other options don’t provide the necessary clinical and safety details: a nonclinical detail like favorite color isn’t relevant to patient care, and while the exact time restraints were applied can be useful, it’s not as comprehensive as documenting ongoing status and reassessments; insurance information has no bearing on the medical management or safety documentation.