Health Information

Use of Restraints

What is it?

A restraint is a device used to limit a patient's freedom of movement. The most commonly used restraints are bedrails, wrist restraints, lap belts, splints and mitts. Restraints are used to prevent injury to you, your family members and staff as well as to prevent patients from pulling out tubes or taking off dressings (arm splints and mitts help prevent this).

Restraint should be used only when other ways to help patients do not work.

UHN Resources

UHN Brochures and Pamphlets

• Use of Restraints at UHN