With some mental disorders, patients behave inappropriately, are prone to aggression and are able to unknowingly harm themselves, other people and objects. The answer to the question of what to do with such patients appeared at the time of the birth of medicine as a science - to restrict movement and independent movement. Somewhat later, a straitjacket appeared as a type of special hospital uniform for patients. What is it these days and are there any non-standard ways to use these clothes?
Historical facts and myths
Today the first association with the definition of "straitjacket" is a mental hospital. However, restraint clothing was originally invented to restrain prison inmates. Such shirts are on display at the Peter and Paul Fortress Museum. Later, this type of clothing was borrowed into medical institutions as an alternative to the shackles in which patients were previously held. An interesting fact is that the generally accepted standards for the manufacture of strict shirts and theirclassification does not exist. Strait jackets can be with or without sleeves, have a different number of straps, additional clamps for attaching to a bed or other objects. Sleeveless models have internal cavities for placing the hands. Some shirts may have straps running between the legs as a means of preventing slipping over the head.
How are straitjackets used in hospitals?
Since only the most dangerous and violent patients are usually restricted in their movements, qualified personnel should use strict shirts. More often, one patient is dressed by two or more orderlies with sufficient physical strength. To date, few institutions continue to use this tool. In Russia, quite often they are limited to bandages or ropes ("knitting") to fix the patient to the bed. In the West, it is increasingly preferred to regularly administer strong sedatives to patients to reduce nervous and physical activity. In medical circles, one can often hear disputes - which is more humane in relation to patients - a straitjacket, drugs or ropes? There is no single correct answer to this question, but in fairness it should be noted that some modern shirts do provide a secure fit, leaving the patient in the most free position.
Straitjackets: buy and wear?
These days, medical shirts that restrict movement can be seen not only behind closedhospital doors. This accessory is often used in films and theatrical productions to create the image of a mentally ill person. Where would you go in search of such a shirt if, for example, you wanted to turn into a mentally disturbed on the occasion of a Halloween costume ball? It is unlikely that in Russia you will be able to find this accessory even in a workwear or theater paraphernalia store. But if you really need a straitjacket, you can try to order it from abroad through one of the online stores of fetish clothing and paraphernalia. You can also try to sew similar clothes to order in the atelier or with your own hands.
