Identify one risk associated with prone restraints and how it is mitigated.

Identify one risk associated with prone restraints and how it is mitigated.

• A. Cardiac risk; mitigated by rapid transport to hospital.
• B. Heat stress risk; mitigated by hydration.
• C. Loss of circulation risk; mitigated by limb checks.
• D. Positional asphyxia risk; mitigated by limiting prone duration and monitoring breathing, moving to a safer position as needed.

Answer: (D)

Positional asphyxia is the risk here: when someone is held face-down, chest and abdominal pressure can limit chest expansion and hinder breathing, potentially leading to insufficient oxygen. The best way to prevent this is to limit the time spent in the prone position and to constantly monitor breathing and overall distress. If breathing becomes strained or signs of inadequate oxygen appear, move the person to a safer position—such as a side-lying recovery position or another appropriate orientation—while continuing to observe and maintain an open airway. This approach directly addresses the airway and breathing risks that arise from the prone posture, rather than focusing on less directly connected risks like circulation, heat, or unrelated delays in transport.

Positional asphyxia is the risk here: when someone is held face-down, chest and abdominal pressure can limit chest expansion and hinder breathing, potentially leading to insufficient oxygen. The best way to prevent this is to limit the time spent in the prone position and to constantly monitor breathing and overall distress. If breathing becomes strained or signs of inadequate oxygen appear, move the person to a safer position—such as a side-lying recovery position or another appropriate orientation—while continuing to observe and maintain an open airway. This approach directly addresses the airway and breathing risks that arise from the prone posture, rather than focusing on less directly connected risks like circulation, heat, or unrelated delays in transport.