The Benefits of Arbry® High Security Blanket

Anti-Self Harm and Anti-Ligature Blankets

Security Blankets are often specifically designed in consultation with Prison, Police and Psychiatric Care bodies to help prevent incidence of self-harm and suicide attempt.

The design and concept behind this product is to specifically address the safe sleeping arrangements for segregated and vulnerable high-risk individuals. The Blankets provide warmth and comfort and most importantly are designed to minimise the risk of self-harm. They are used in Police Custody Suites, Prisons, Mental Health Hospitals and Secure and Psychiatric Units throughout the UK.

Customers for these specialist products range from Category ‘A’ Security Units, Seclusion Blocks, NHS Mental Health Residential Care to Police Stations and Prison establishments.

Can disturbed patients harm themselves with these Blankets?

Sadly disturbed patients are unpredictable. The assumption must be made that in their frame of mind they will be at risk of self-harm. This suggests that an individual may seek ways to hurt themselves. For example with a conventional blanket they may try to create a ligature, a noose, or attempt to eat and choke on the material.

The Arbry® High Security Blankets offers the maximum possible protection to patients and almost completely removes these dangers of self-harm under active professional supervision. In trials carried out it has been found to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to destroy the blanket.

Do the Blankets keep the Patient warm?

The Arbry® High Security Blankets comprise two outer layers of the Flame Retardant CS Trevira with Fire Retardant wadding engineered into its manufacture.

The wadding is needle punched in order to give strength to the blanket making it very difficult to roll into a noose. Additionally the wadding will provide warmth and comfort.

Are Security Blankets indestructible?

Whilst no manufacturer can offer a 100% guarantee under supervision these blankets are extremely difficult to destroy with bare hands given the multiple methods of construction and barriers incorporated. The first barrier incorporates hidden stitching by sewing the two outers inside out. Subsequently a mass of extra strong safety stitching with many over locking processes offers maximum protection.

Does the Blanket look institutionalised?

Policy in Custodial and psychiatric circles is directed toward increasing ‘normalisation’ as far as possible for the detainees and patients. By creating a more humane environment in a hospital or prison for example the thinking is that individuals will respond positively to treatment and help.

If a person is at risk to himself he will need to be segregated and provided with a security blanket. As the blankets do not look institutional but more like a throw over they should not aggravate negative feelings whilst maintaining its role to protect.

Can a Security Blanket be turned into a noose or be ripped?

As the blankets contain a needle punched polyester infill, which provides important rigidity, it is very hard to roll into a noose as it becomes too bulky and ineffective. The design and construction is such that any attempt to rip or tear proves extremely difficult.

Do these Blankets have applications in other locations apart from Prisons?

Yes. These blankets are designed to be used in any environment where individuals are at risk of self-harm. This will range from Prisons to Psychiatric Care Institutions to Police Stations and other locations too.

Can the stitches on these Blankets be picked and undone?

As the outer cover is stitched in the first instance inside out the stitches are hidden and the subsequent multiple layers and over locking procedures render the blanket extremely hard to unpick.

How does the Blanket address problems of infection control?

Bacteria, virus and micro-organisms can penetrate bedding and present a risk of cross infection therefore these blankets will need to be washed as required.

Please contact us directly to discuss your requirements