Use of Force and Physical Intervention Flashcards

What is 'positional asphyxia' and why is it a critical concern during physical restraint?

Answer: A life-threatening condition caused by a body position that restricts a person's ability to breathe

Positional asphyxia occurs when a person's body position prevents normal breathing, and can result in death, making it a critical safety concern during any restraint.

To minimise the risk of positional asphyxia during restraint, security officers should:

Answer: Move the person to an upright or recovery position as soon as it is safe to do so

Moving a restrained person to an upright or recovery position as soon as safely possible reduces the risk of breathing restriction and positional asphyxia.

After physically restraining a person, a security officer must:

Answer: Continuously monitor their condition and ensure their breathing is not compromised

A restrained person must be continuously monitored for signs of distress, breathing difficulties, or deteriorating condition until released or handed to police.

Which of the following restraint positions is considered the LEAST safe for prolonged use?

Answer: Prone (face-down) floor restraint

Prone restraint (face-down on the floor) is the least safe for prolonged use due to the significant risk of positional asphyxia, particularly when body weight is applied to the back.

A security officer should immediately cease using force when:

Answer: The threat has ended and the person is no longer resisting or posing a danger

Force must cease as soon as the threat is neutralised and the person no longer poses a risk — continuing beyond this point constitutes excessive force.

In Victoria, a security officer who uses force in an unlawful manner that causes injury may face:

Answer: Civil liability, criminal charges, and potential loss of their security licence

Unlawful use of force can result in civil lawsuits, criminal prosecution under Victorian law, and revocation of the security licence by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

What is the recommended approach when applying a restraint hold to a non-compliant but non-violent patron?

Answer: Use the least restrictive hold necessary while maintaining control and continuing verbal communication

The least restrictive effective hold should be used, combined with ongoing verbal communication, to achieve compliance while minimising the risk of injury.