Restraint-Related Fatalities in Mental Health Facilities: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Mental health facilities are occasionally confronted with patients who display destructive or disruptive behaviors requiring physical restraint. Under these circumstances, restraint can be associated with death. This case report describes two fatalities associated with physical restraint applied by staff members at mental health facilities.

Author Information

From the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.

Manuscript received August 30, 1999; accepted December 10, 1999.

Address correspondence to Charles F. Siebert Jr., 3126 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406, U.S.A.