A Kilted First - Its Historymakin'

**Riverkilt** · 22nd June 06, 09:02 PM

Never expected this one. I work at an outpatient mental health agency. Usually pretty tame other than a few angry clients from time to time.

Today I got called to our lobby because a young man of about 12 was kicking, hitting, biting, scratching, spitting, and cussing most anything in range. He was obviously in a psychotic state. A common condition for clients on a crisis unit or on a psychiatric ward, but not at an outpatient agency.

As I went to the front I passed the office of our IT guy who just happens to be an ex-cop. He heard the commotion and came without question. A lady on the support staff had the young man in a "basket hold" but he was doing some damage to her. The two of us guys took over and put the kid in a more forceful, but still not painful hold (cops and psych techs use some of the same moves. Did I mention I worked psych wards for many years and did this nasty business a lot?).

The young man kept attacking from his psychotic mind set - an altered level of consciousness - so we put him gently onto the carpeted floor. After it became obvious that he wasn't going to deescalate and that there was major psychois happening the CEO called the police who let us continue to wrestle with him until the paramedics arrived. The medics used soft cloth restraints and then strapped him to a gurney for the ride to the hospital.

I wound up with a bloody wrist where his finger nails got me on a reach back move.

Don't know if there is anyone anywhere who goes to work on a psychiatric unit or high acuity crisis unit kilted. I was kilted for this sad event. It may be the first ever kilted take down of a psychotic client.

Was in my new Gordon Modern USA Kilt Casual. (pics previously posted today on the pic forum)

From my point of view I felt I had a lot more manuverability kilted than in past years when wearing pants.

Moved up here to this work to escape the insanity of regular take downs on psych and crisis units at my age (61 now). This is the first time in five years we've had to lay hands on. Glad its over. Glad there were no injuries beyond bloody scratches. Glad the young man is getting the help he needs.

Ron

**pdcorlis** · 22nd June 06, 09:08 PM

You are a saint for doing the work you do - I am honored to know a kilted gentleman like you.

**Caradoc** · 22nd June 06, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Don't know if there is anyone anywhere who goes to work on a psychiatric unit or high acuity crisis unit kilted. I was kilted for this sad event. It may be the first ever kilted take down of a psychotic client.

That's possible. None of my experiences have been with psychotics, but definitely with drunks. I don't work for a psych unit or a crisis clinic, but I do hang around with an awful lot of drunk people for about a week every February.

I think I've mentioned training and practicing in a kilt before, over in the martial arts threads.

**cormacmacguardhe** · 22nd June 06, 10:28 PM

Having spent 11 years working in a psych hospital, I know exactly what you are talking about. I can not count the number of times I have been wrestling with psychotic patients. Near the end it was getting harder due to my age, it was much easier to let the younger guys get into it with the patients. Even so I would do those years all over again, it was some of the most rewarding work I ever did. I also have a bunch of stories to tell around the campfire.

**Riverkilt** · 22nd June 06, 11:19 PM

Aye Cormacmacguardhe,

Back on the psych units we were a well oiled team. Always tried to deescalate and avoid but when it was necessary 'twas a thing of beauty and teamwork. Don't recall ever hurting a patient. A lot of staff got injured from time to time.

Today was rough since the only available men were old, the staff is untrained other than what they brung with them. We managed. During the process just couldn't avoid noticing how much more freedom I had kilted than I remember wearing pants on the units.

Only worked them for seven years...enough for me. And you're right, we did a lot of good. Sometimes just sitting on the floor with a patient "being there."

Ron

**Norbydog** · 23rd June 06, 12:07 AM

No doubt a kilt will give you more freedom than pants. Unfortunately, skinned knees and a ripped kilt can be the end means for unregulated wrestling matches. That is why I never wear the uniform shorts when I am on bicycle patrol. Too often I have been the only one (besides the suspect) in the fight, and slid across the pavement.

But "guid on ya" for your restraint and retained ability.

**Pour1Malt** · 23rd June 06, 12:28 AM

guid oan ya Ron...

tough job... glad a guid fella like yursel is there...

**David Dalglish** · 23rd June 06, 02:26 AM

I take my hat off to people like you Ron-Its not a job that I could do, very well done

**Scottish Chi** · 23rd June 06, 03:48 AM

Everyone has their own special path and your choice is one that few have the fortitude to follow. Not many will put themselves in jeapardy in effort to protect another. It not only takes as strong person but a good heart. Good job.

Cheers! Bill

**mbhandy** · 23rd June 06, 04:47 AM

Sounds like you are OK but you didn't mention if your kilt is Ok.
Now wresling in a kilt, on hine sight, good thing you don't go regemental to work.
It does have its funny side to the situation. A 61 yr. old Kilted gentleman going to mat

It does get the Heart racing!

MrBill