I'm the same as you, too, and pondering the deeper, thinking answers.
That whole process sounds messed up. I would say over 99% (and that's not an exaggeration, but literal) of our invol patients do not have police involved (other than to submit paperwork to the hospital), let alone cuffs. Our EMS protocols DO require soft restraints during transport, but we generally make a point of being apologetic about it, putting them on at the last moment and that we will take them off ASAP (essentially once the ambulance is in Park). Even this is only because, unfortunately, some of those patients have attempted to exit a moving ambulance, sometimes at freeway speeds.
I'm curious what papers were put in front of you, though, as the whole point of the involuntary custody process is that your acknowledgement is not necessary (at that point - after the mental health hold hearing, in front of a judge - you are asked to acknowledge/sign, but not required).