Annual report shows 1,251 involuntary emergency admissions; restraint use concentrated in law‑enforcement transports

Cynthia Babonis (New Hampshire Hospital) and Caroline LaFoy (New Hampshire Hospital Association) presented the fifth annual Patient Transport and Restraint Data report to the oversight committee on Nov. 22.

The report covers Oct. 2023–Sep. 2024 and recorded 1,251 involuntary emergency admissions (IEAs), an average of about 104 per month; 99% of transports were adults and only four transports involved children. Mode of transport was 40% ambulance, 59% law enforcement and a small share listed as 'other' (typically facility staff or family). Restraint use varied markedly by transport mode: 86% of law‑enforcement transports used restraints; ambulances reported just two restraint cases across the year. The most common restraint types were waist belts or combination restraints.

Presenters noted only one reported case of restraints applied during transport (most restraints were applied before transport and remained in place). They also reviewed trend charts and per‑facility monthly volumes, and said adding 12 beds back into the system in April contributed to a modest increase in transports.

Committee members asked for clarity in the report legend where narrative referenced 'during transfer' and for a blended visualization of ambulance versus law enforcement restraint rates; presenters clarified chart axes and said appendices include detailed monthly and facility‑level data. Members also asked about geographic gaps in designated receiving facilities; presenters said the state's care traffic control refers to nearest available DRF beds and acknowledged north‑country capacity is thinner but that Dartmouth Health is adding five beds shortly.

No formal action was taken; presenters offered to supply additional clarifications in future reports and to correct legend inconsistencies noted by committee members.