Hospital Restraints - Straight-jackets

The image of a straight jacket seems to hold a fascination for a wide variety of 
people.  Most escape artists look at it as a guaranteed crowed puller. The very 
existence of a Regulation or Officially Approved straight jacket should, surely, 
make most people cower.  Why doesn't the suggestion that such a piece of 
equipment might (was) have been used in real life situations make the whole idea 
repugnant? Why do crowds regularly gather to see and sometimes help get someone 
strapped into such a barbaric device?
I not qualified to hypothesis the reasons, but the facts are indisputable.  Vast 
numbers of people enjoy seeing the act.  Just what percentage of the crowd 
speculates on what it must be like to have it done to them / do it to someone 
else / have a go at escaping, who knows? The fact remains that being interested 
in straight jackets isn't that unusual.
What is a straight jacket?
Traditionally it's a reasonably tough fabric garment designed to prevent violent 
mentally disturbed patients and/or prisoners from causing harm to themselves or 
others. A straight jacket or straight waistcoat can be anything from a simple 
smock with closed sleeve ends and tie tapes, to deliberately intimidating 
constructions of sail cloth, leather straps and metal fittings.  The term 
'Regulation' usually suggests that it is an approved pattern, as used in a 
particular institution or by a particular prison authority. In Britain the Home 
Office, which has at various times in the past approved specifications for 
several pieces of restraining clothing (although all information on the garments 
is STRICTLY CLASSIFIED so if you have access to it I would be grateful if you 
sent me a copy). Inevitably , the existence of such equipment has led to it 
being used as a punishment as well as a last resort. In places where such an 
item would find very little actual use, to have some form of restrainer hanging 
around serves as a useful threat, to keep would be troublesome patients in line.
Historical records show that many jackets were purposely designed to look tough; 
extra bands of leather and canvas to suggest additional strength and durability.  
In reality these may not have been as effective as a well constructed rip-proof 
canvas. Not only more comfortable, these light weight jackets can be infinitely 
more confining if correctly cut, sewn and efficiently applied.
Psychological impact
Seeing someone restrained by, strapping someone into, or being strapped into is 
what I'm dealing with here. Whether as a challenge or punishment , here is a 
situation in which energy and aggression can be worked off harmlessly. Although 
straight jackets are seldom used now in Europe it is still recognised in some 
circles that the hugging tightness of a well applied straight jacket has a 
calming effect on some patients once they have exhausted all attempts to free 
themselves. To escape from a straight jacket can be an exhilarating experience 
for the escapee and anyone watching. Many spectators when watching an escape 
artist feel the urge to help in strap the would be escapee. What number of them 
would, secretly, like to have a go at struggling free?
Getting the jacket on 
Even with a willing victim, applying a jacket single handed needs practice. A 
particular awareness of the various ticks of escaping is essential. Having 
studied and experimented with ways to escape from a straight jacket it becomes 
more easy to devise ways to make escape more difficult.  Jackets used by escape 
artists usually have longish wide sleeves, loose neck bands and no strap between 
the legs (crotch strap). A jacket with short, tight sleeves, snug under the 
armpits present a much more exacting challenge. A close high collar also adds to 
the general cling and straps connecting the sleeves should be short with holes 
right up to the sleeve ends AND VERY STRONG! The strain in all directions on a 
well applied jacket can be immense so all seams should be double or triple sewn. 
A crotch strap to prevent the body of the jacket being dragged over the head.  
Arm straps anchored through one of the back straps further prevents the arms 
being worked up or down the body. Jackets with a pair of loops from the arm pit 
to the hem of the jacket, through which the sleeves can be passed, effectively 
prevent the arms from travelling.  Mitts of a heavy material or leather to 
prevent tampering with buckles through the sleeves will defeat many would be 
escapees.  A small strap added around each wrist before the arms are crossed 
makes slipping the jacket virtually impossible. Extra reinforcement of the 
seams, elbows and neck will stop any attempts to wear a way out of an otherwise 
escape proof jacket but the most important of all is to eliminate slack. One way 
to do this is after threading the arm strap as far as possible is to stand to 
one side and brace your body against your victim.  Using one hand to clamp the 
prisoners elbows together, the arm strap can then be wrenched tighter at the 
same moment.  Two people applying a jacket can eliminate slack much more easily. 
As one pulls the arm strap tight behind, the other can press the victims elbows 
together at the front. It is amazing how much further arms will reach across the 
chest with a little persuasion.  Two people can also manage to fold a victims 
arms even against quite violent opposition. The situation of an unwilling victim 
being forced into a straight jacket is a complicated and potentially dangerous 
undertaking.  As a test of ingenuity and stamina it can be fun. In a one to one 
situation it is virtually impossible unless the pair are very unequally matched. 
With two against one, if a routine has been worked out in advance, it is 
possible to subdue a victim even if he or she is prepared to put up a healthy 
struggle. Finally, extra defences against a would be escapee from any form of 
canvas restrainer include strapping the feet together - threading a strong 
leather strap or pinion strap set between the elbows at the back - lacing the 
prisoner to a bed or ladder. Bed straps with fitted cuffs for the ankles will 
keep you prisoner on his or her back and is an excellent  way of preventing self 
abuse.  Fitting your prisoner with rubber pants, nappies or a catheter  
eliminates the need for release to natural functions and adds further to the 
total control package. 

Remember - be safe and have fun!  
Hope you have enjoyed this quick read. If you have please let me know.
Also, if you have any information on jacket design, hospital restraints or 
padded cell designs/plans please Email me a lemut@premier.co.uk 
 
Hope you are well Maurice S-A