There are restraint guidelines for Nurses and Midwives in South Australia that should be followed whenever restraints are used.
As defined within these guidelines a restraint is:
Any device or action that interferes with the ability of a person to make decisions or restricts their free movement. It may be classified by the nature of the control mechanisms such as:
• verbal threats and intimidation;
• physical use of mechanical restraints including equipment that can be used as restraints, applied to the person;
• chemical control through administering sedatives or psychotropic medication for the purpose of restraint;
• environmental controls, including seclusion which prevents a person’s exit.
