Use of restraint boards or passive restraints for medical or dental procedures can be frightening and traumatizing for patients with developmental disabilities and those who are unable to communicate due to injury or illness.

Individuals who have experienced improper use of 'passive restraints' and especially those who have had no other options available to soothe them during stressful experiences have expressed their objections in childhood through behavior and in adulthood through whatever communication options are available.

It is insulting to many Native Americans to refer to these as Papoose Boards. They are not similar enough to the comfortable and cozy cradle boards found in many cultures.

Emergency responders developed the baby/child restraint board for children rescued after accidents or other traumatic events to reduce the risk of further damage in case of neck or spinal injuries. Other uses have been at the discretion of medical or dental professionals and staff who may not have positive experiences or adequate training with children who have disabilities.

Pam W
SE of Seattle

Papoose Board Restraints - Dental or Medical Uses
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176927.asp

Being restrained at the dr or dentist would scar me for life. I have enough dr fear already.

I allowed my son to be put into a restraint wrap board at the eye doctor's when he was very small so they could put eye drops into his eye. At first I think they had four or six people holding him down. I remember how I felt afterwards when he said "he needs these eyedrops at home 4 times a day" and I wanted so much to respond "Sure, when is it convenient for you all to come down to our house?"

But when we were at home, I told him "I need to put these eyedrops in your eyes now" and he was very still and patient with me. It was being held down, and especially wrapped in what they called a papoose board, that made him struggle and cry.

I know dental and medical procedures can be difficult for children with sensory issues, and even in mainstream kids when they have great fear, pain, anxiety or other discomfort. But using what they call passive restraint without any other options, support or encouragement is an awful strategy.

Some kids feel comforted and calmed by being tightly wrapped, but that is nothing like being wrapped in a restraint just before a medical or dental professional scares and hurts a patient. I'm sure it is that much worse for someone who has a speech, hearing or vision impairment.

Pam W
Papoose Board Restraints - Dental or Medical Uses
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176927.asp

Asking More from Medical Professionals
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art39121.asp