To avoid any arguments about the whys and wherefores of the arrest, I usually try to "persuade" the patient to step outside and get some fresh air. Most of them have no clue about the powers we have under Sec 136. Our local hospital have been very reluctant to be used as a "place of safety" and strangely enough, so has the local psychiatric unit. They usually change their minds when we threaten to leave the patient with them, whether they like it or not. If they accept, we offer to stay and assist while the crisis team do their stuff. This usually has the desired effect.