- Source: Anti-suicide blanket
An anti-suicide blanket is a tear-resistant blanket that is used to prevent a hospitalized, incarcerated or otherwise detained individual from forming a noose to commit suicide. The blanket is typically made of simple and sturdily quilted nylon or similarly reinforced material. The stiffness of the blanket makes it impossible to roll or fold without continuously applied pressure. The same material is used for the anti-suicide smock.
Suicide being a major cause of death of inmates globally, prisons have begun implemented "anti-suicide" blankets in attempts to decrease suicides within the facility. Not only are they implemented in prisons but also in hospitals and other mental rehabilitation centers. With that being said, providing an anti-suicide blanket has become the standard practice instead of increasing observation or providing programs for the mentally impaired because often times they use their own belongings on their own time when making an attempt to take their life. The blanket is said to weigh four and a half pounds and it is often worn without any other articles of clothing to further eliminate any other risks. While death by hanging is very common, it is known that some inmates will set articles of clothing on fire, with the anti-suicide blanket, the material is so thick often times flames wither quickly. Nor do these blankets include anything of the same nature of a zipper or include any type of metal clasps as it states it is fastened by Velcro, so if there is an emergency or an attempt for suicide is made the anti-suicide blanket can be easily detached from the person.
See also
Anti-trespass panels
Guantanamo suicide attempts
References
Lapidos, Juliet (2007-12-05). "How an anti-suicide smock prevents prisoners from killing themselves". Slate Magazine. Retrieved 2022-04-04., Juliet (December 12, 2005). ""How an anti-suicide smock prevents prisoners from killing themselves"". Slate.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
Hayes, Lindsay M. (2013-05-01). "Suicide prevention in correctional facilities: Reflections and next steps". International Journal of Law and Psychiatry. Special Issue on Prisons and Mental Health. 36 (3): 188–194. doi:10.1016/j.ijlp.2013.04.010. ISSN 0160-2527.