Which technique is prohibited in a short personal restraint due to airway risk?

• A. Restraints that impair breathing by placing pressure on the torso
• B. Brief guiding touch on the arm
• C. A gentle verbal reminder
• D. Sit-down hold that does not restrict breathing

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is protecting the person’s airway during restraint. Any technique that places pressure on the chest or torso can restrict breathing and make it harder to ventilate. That kind of torso pressure directly increases the risk of airway compromise and suffocation, especially in a short personal restraint where time and safety are critical. So restraining methods that impair breathing by pressing on the torso are prohibited.

In contrast, lighter, non-restrictive actions like a brief guiding touch on the arm, a gentle verbal reminder, or a sit-down hold that does not restrict breathing are acceptable because they avoid restricting the chest and keeping the airway open. The goal is to de-escalate without compromising breathing.