[Accidental death of disoriented persons in long term care facilities].

Five cases of accidental death occurring in connection with physical restraints in long-term care facilities are reported. The position in which the deceased were found, autopsy findings, police investigations as well as the evaluation of each case under criminal law are described. The investigations by the prosecution as well as the attention of the public media have meanwhile contributed to an improvement of the technical standards and a reduction of the risk in applying such restraints under the Law on Medical Devices.