Originally Posted By: MDinana
Originally Posted By: JeffMcCann
Paramedics carry them, for the patients they may get from the cops.

Jeff


In 10 years of EMS work, I've NEVER seen a medic, EMT firefighter, first responder, nurse, or physician carry a set of handcuffs. If the patient is that violent, the cops are already there (or on their way). The only restraints on most ambulances are soft restraints: cloth and foam things. Occasionally "hard" restraints, leather, are used, but they don't use cuff keys.


In 30 years of EMS work, there are many occasions where I've had to assess or treat patients initially in handcuffs. On those occasions a handcuff "KEY" of your own can come in handy. Please recall that the discussion and my comment about paramedics was merely about handcuff keys, not handcuffs. Handcuff use in a medical setting would be, of course, a deviation from the accepted standard of care. Nonetheless, one sometimes encounters handcuffed patients. This may not be your experience, but it does happen.

Jeff