Thank you for that gentle comment, Glenda. After a lengthy period of reasoning with the small, wiry young man of about 18 (with mental health problems) doing horizontal Tai Chi exercises on his grandmother's kitchen floor, we decided that a sectioning order would be needed, and handed the problem to the EMDC. Four large policemen (including an inspector) arrived; they too spent some time trying to talk to lad, also to no avail. The inspector then grasped him by the arm - and the boy levitated off the floor and treated us to a breathtaking 10-minute display of Kung Fu, spinning, and hissing, with his air-punches and kicks (deliberately) missing our faces by inches (while his granny murmured "It's so nice to see he's kept up the martial arts classes") The display ceased, he bowed, we applauded; one of the constables went to take him by the arm, and this time the boy's blow was not intended to miss. Fortunately, the policeman was quick, and was unhurt. The inspector made a decision; the police discussed it, then the boy was swiftly brought down, handcuffed, and his feet secured. The difference in size between the lad and the police was an important factor; he ceased fighting as soon as he knew he was captured. At A&E, the staff wanted the restraints removed; the police cautioned against it, but the staff insisted. This time, there were also two large male nurses to hand, but all six struggled to re-shackle him. The consultant did some quick telephoning; the duty psychiatrist appeared, and some research and a few phone calls swiftly re-established the lad's abandoned medication regime. I believe that he is back, living in his own flat now. Of course compassion and fairness are needed; however, the role of appropriate force should never be underestimated - in the patient's interests as much as in anyone else's!