Protective Equipment in Clinical Intervention

Protective equipment, encompassing specialized devices or clothing like gloves, helmets, and padding, plays a vital role in safeguarding individuals from harm associated with severe destructive behavior. This chapter provides an overview of critical safety and ethical considerations associated with assessing the need for and deploying the use of protective equipment. Prevailing policies and regulations governing restraint and seclusion are presented. Additionally, we identify a range of protective equipment that can be used to mitigate potential harm resulting from various types and topographies of severe destructive behavior. A review of the existing literature on the use of protective equipment in the assessment and treatment of severe destructive behavior is provided, emphasizing the evaluation of efficacy and ethical implications. This chapter concludes with recommendations for the judicious implementation and rigorous evaluation of protective equipment, ensuring a secure and effective approach to managing potential harm.