Massachusetts OEMS Protocols Basic Life Support (BLS) Practice Exam 2026 – Your Complete All-in-One Study Guide for BLS Success!

Restraints in EMS are used when a patient poses a danger to themselves or others, and the form EMTs may apply is soft restraints. These are lightweight, non-metal straps (like cloth or Velcro) that limit movement of the arms or legs while staying quick to release and adjustable. They minimize risk to the airway, breathing, and circulation and can be monitored and adjusted as needed.

Metal chains or rigid, full-body restraints carry higher risk of injury and can impair chest expansion and breathing, so they are not appropriate for EMT use. In some situations, if the patient is cooperative and not a danger, no restraints may be needed, but when restraint is necessary, soft restraints are the appropriate option.