Got Handcuffs? Got Keys? Everything You Probably Should Know About Handcuffs

Handcuffs are used world wide for securing justice-involved individuals. Handcuffs are frequently linked together with emergency department visits - either because our patients are in custody or because of misadventures in personal use. Yet, emergency physicians are generally unfamiliar with handcuff mechanics, deferring this responsibility to law enforcement or security. If this resource is unavailable or delayed unfamiliarity with these mechanics may lead to patient injury, delays in care, or medicolegal exposure. In this presentation we will show several real emergency department handcuff scenarios, some key legal issues around handcuffs, how handcuffs work, and finally how to remove handcuffs (with and without keys). This will enable physicians to provide the safest and best informed care to such patients. No residents or medical students will be harmed in the production of this presentation.