THE "SUPERHERO CAPE BURRITO": A SIMPLE AND COMFORTABLE METHOD OF SHORT-TERM PROCEDURAL RESTRAINT

Background: Restraint is sometimes necessary to successfully perform procedures on pediatric patients in the emergency department. A papoose may be intimidating and uncomfortable, and a wrapped sheet may not keep the child's arms from wiggling free. Discussion: We present an adaptation of the wrapped sheet (burrito) technique, using a pillowcase to better immobilize the child's arms. The arms are inserted in the pillowcase behind the child's back, and then the child is placed supine over a horizontally placed sheet and turned to each side so the sheet is tucked behind the back. The child is thereby easily and comfortably restrained. Conclusions: We believe this technique more successfully restrains the child than the wrapped sheet alone, and is easier to execute than other wrapped sheet techniques aimed at improving arm immobilization. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc.