> while the OP gave examples where someone handcuffed was sedated, and someone strapped down was sedated, but not both Ah, I think that's a case where my exist

> while the OP gave examples where someone handcuffed was sedated, and someone strapped down was sedated, but not both Ah, I think that's a case where my existing context led to a lack of clarity... If someone is "strapped" to the stretcher (i.e. not just the usual seatbelts), then their wrists are restrained (either in handcuffs, or using "soft restraints" to the side rails of the stretcher). The reality is, a stretcher is not designed to serve as an anchor for restraints, and someone who continues to fight over the course of a 20-30 minute transport will eventually work themselves free (at least enough to start kicking). Similarly, chemical restraint is always preceded by physical restraint. It's only when physical restraint isn't working (i.e. someone is fighting hard enough that there's a risk of injury) that chemical restraint is employed. It's in those cases that chemical restraint is safer (obviously continuing to wrestle with someone is more dangerous for everyone involved).