Emergency Response Belt

History

The ERB was the device evaluated in Northamptonshire. It is the only device with a 10-year proven track record of effective use (with no litigation). As with any other equipment it has also been subject of a full medical and legal review prior to its introduction.

Since its release in the US in August 1989 the Emergency Response Belt (ERB®) has been used by virtually every profession that has to handle violent or injured individuals. The ERB has proven its use and effectiveness within these areas faster than any other device in United States history.
For practical and daily use, the ERB has proven to reduce injuries and potential litigation. The capability of moving and transporting violent persons within any facility as well as the use by police in booking/intake areas, transports to court, for Prison Emergency Response Teams, Paramedics and Hospitals has made the ERB one of the fastest accepted devices ever developed for professions who manage violent persons.

The inventor of the ERB, Thomas J. Archambault has dedicated his career to the effective control and restraint of violent individuals. His research dates back to 1982, when he conducted an extensive study over a ten-year period on Federal data involving the deaths and serious injuries of police officers in custody and handcuffing situations. The research subsequently led to the development of the "Police Control and Restraint Techniques" and later the development of the ERB.

The emergency response belt is defined as a tough cloth control and restraining device, giving personnel the ability to safely handle, control and move/transport violent individuals.

In simple terms its effectiveness is due to its simplicity. It is applied by wrapping the main body of the ERB around the upper or lower limbs. It is then secured by a velcro strap, which locks the device into place. It can be compared to having a towel wrapped around your legs. Although the towel is soft, its presence prevents large motor actions such as kicking or running.

Once applied it can be used to safely lift or guide a prisoner to a desired location. Depending on the conduct of the prisoner it may be that application of a device to upper and lower limbs is necessary. The handles on the device allow for compliance with manual handling training. 

The ERB applied to the upper limbs.