But (and apologies for everyone who doesn't work for the LAS), with the new guidelines training, you can take people without their consent if they are 'incapable' of giving consent (confused/demented/serious head injury/mashed brain). So we can take people against their will - just not safely. I do agree that the police are the first people who should be involved, but I'm sure you know that they can often take a while to turn up - they tend to be busier than us. Also I have a belief that soft restraints would be a lot safer, and more comfortable than having six coppers 'sit' on you. It's more the confused patient that I think restraints should be used for, rather than the just violent ones (who I'll quite happily leave to smash up an ambulance if it keeps them happy) Also, just because we will have the option to tie Dotty Doris down, doesn't mean that you have to. It'll be rare to use restraints, but when you do need to use them, it'll come in handy.