I have dealt with it several times both as a police officer and as a paramedic. I have been one of the lucky ones that didn't have the person die on me.
The main thing I want everyone to remember with this subject is YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY.
Any time you receive a call where the person had fought police and they were on ANYTHING (ETOH, Meth, Cocaine etc) be aware the potential exists.
One of the common factors in almost all of the deaths is the person was in a FIGHT (either law enforcement or others) prior to being arrested or restrained.
I get hacked because so many artices on "patient restraint" talk about how it takes 5 people to place a person in medical restraints, but don't train people how to protect themselves if attacked by the same type of person prior to law enforcement getting there or being there.......
Charly Miller does a great job in talking about Restraint Asphyxia aand argues this paper :
http://www.naemsp.org/pdf/restraint.pdf
I have been in email contact with Dr. Kupas and he appeared very concerned for the safety of EMS (now).
Here is another article on the subject:
http://www.merginet.com/index.cfm?pg=psychiatric&fn=patientrestraint
During the 16 hour DT4EMS-1 (Initial) Course we make sure everyone understands the importance of proper placement of the "patient" if they have struggled with law enforcement. But we also address the safety of the EMS provider as Rule #1.
Here is a link to Chas' site. She is awesome when it comes to patient restraint.
http://www.charlydmiller.com/
But remember, everyone has a great plan until they get punched in the mouth. (Meaning if you don't have 5 people to help you, you may get a susrprise)