In the medical field a Papoose Board is a device used to keep a person, usually a child, immobilized during dental work, venipuncture, and other medical procedures. It is also sometimes used during medical emergencies to keep an individual from moving when total sedation 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 will be used to calm the patient and in hopes to make the procedure less traumatic. Informed consent 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.