1.2
“Restrictive physical intervention” here means “the use of force to restrict movement or mobility or the use of force to disengage from dangerous or harmful physical contact initiated by pupils or service users”. Restrictive physical intervention differs from non restrictive, manual guidance or restrictive physical prompting in so far as it implies the use of force against resistance. The main difference between holding and restrictive physical intervention is the manner of the intervention and the degree of force applied. Restrictive physical intervention should:
• be used at the minimum level for the shortest period of time
• be used in the service users best interests
• respect the cultural experiences of service users and the attitudes towards physical control
• avoid contact that might be misinterpreted as sexual
• be accompanied by reassuring speech and never with threats (http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk)
1.3
Restrictive interventions have a serious potential for infringing individual rights and for causing harm to them as well as staff. This is the least desirable way of addressing challenging behaviour and is considered as a last resort method. When it is used it should be used with least restrictive interventions as it can be very intimidating for an individual who is vulnerable and unable to get control of themselves. By using the least restrictive intervention it can stop a situation from escalating.
Restrictive interventions can be used when reasonable force is necessary in order to restrict the movement of an individual to protect them from injury or harm and others around. Some examples of when this may be used are: * When there is significant destruction done to a property * Violence directed to others * Violence that arises from panic, distress or confusion * Self-directed violence or self injury such as: * Head butting * Hair pulling * Self harming *