Papoose board
Encyclopedia
In the medical field a Papoose Board is a device used to keep a person, usually a child, immobilized during dental work, venipuncture
Venipuncture
In medicine, venepuncture, venopuncture or venipuncture is the process of obtaining intravenous access for the purpose of intravenous therapy or for blood sampling of venous blood. This procedure is performed by medical laboratory scientists, medical practitioners, some EMTs, paramedics,...

, and other medical procedures. It is also sometimes used during medical emergencies to keep an individual from moving when total sedation
Sedation
Sedation is the reduction of irritability or agitation by administration of sedative drugs, generally to facilitate a medical procedure or diagnostic procedure...

 is not possible. It is usually used on patients who are uncooperative and is generally more effective than holding the person down. It is mostly used on young immature children and/or special needs patients.

The person is placed on a flat board and wide fabric straps are wrapped around the upper body, middle body, and sometimes legs. Some also have a section that prevents the head from moving. The restraints can be applied quickly to keep person from struggling and resisting treatment. Its use is also commonly said to be used for the patient's own safety, for example to prevent a needle or drill from slipping and causing injury. Sometimes oral, IV or gas sedation such a nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or sweet air, is a chemical compound with the formula . It is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. It is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic...

 will be used to calm the patient and in hopes to make the procedure less traumatic. Informed consent
Informed consent
Informed consent is a phrase often used in law to indicate that the consent a person gives meets certain minimum standards. As a literal matter, in the absence of fraud, it is redundant. An informed consent can be said to have been given based upon a clear appreciation and understanding of the...

 from a parent or guardian is usually required before a papoose board can be used. The laws for use of a papoose board vary in the medical field throughout the world. Some feel its use is very traumatic for young children while others feel it is preferable to other options, such as sedation which has risk and short term after effects.

Papoose boards were originally a wood-and-leather device used by many Native American tribes to swaddle their infants and children. Papoose boards, also known as cradle boards, are still in use in many places.
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