Background and aims

This course strives to maintain the dignity of both the professional and the aggressor,it aims not to encourage future episodes of aggression (e.g. revenge), and it aims to retain good relationships.

All of these are very important not least because some people enjoy the struggle involved in a physical fight and this is something we do not wish to feed. Neither do we want to motivate anyone to seek revenge at a later date. So for both ethical and practical reasons the dignity and caring of the techniques taught on this course are very important.

Who should attend?

This course is only suitable for selected staff, namely those who - whatever their size or gender - are most likely to be asked to intervene physically in an already violent situation. In selecting staff to attend this course you may like to bear in mind that it is possible to deliberately misapply some of the techniques on this course if a person were minded to do so.

Testimonials

"An exceptionally well presented course, done in a relaxed and achievable manner, which has boosted confidence and are applicable to working practice."
Michelle Adams, Community team leader

Caring Control: Ethical physical approaches for intervening in a violent situation.

This is the course for you if you are interested in:

• Replacing 'control and restraint' with effective physical techniques which retain everybody's dignity and maintain good long-term relationships.

This 2 day course teaches you ethical and dignified physical methods of intervening in an already violent situation.

"An excellent course presented with sensitivity and humour, making it easy to understand and use, with relevance to our work setting."
Ann Rushby, RSWI

Some of the situations one has to intervene in are anxiety provoking and frightening. You may wish to propose specific examples from your own job. The following situations are given as typical of what is covered:

• What to do if somebody is harming themselves, for example by banging their heads against a wall or using a knife to cut themselves.
• How to safely remove a person to another area, possibly via stairs, and how to leave safely.
• What to do when 2 or more people are fighting with each other.
• How to disarm a person.
• How to restrain a person in a car.

You will be taught a small number of (a) controlling and immobilising techniques and (b) manoeuvring and escorting techniques and how to apply them in a wide range of situations effectively.

"An excellently presented course of relevant and practical methods for handling difficult situations."
Graham Wells, Day service worker

There are also important areas which need covering as follows:

• What is positional asphyxia and how to avoid it
• Legal and ethical considerations.
• How to maintain the physical and emotional integrity of both the restrained and restrainer.
• Areas of the body that must be avoided and why.
• How to form a restraint team and operate effectively.
• The reporting and recording of incidents.
• The function of debriefing and how it is done.

Note 1: This is a physical course and sponsors must provide ample room for 8 pairs to move around freely
Note 2: An annual 1 day refresher course is also available for £1500 +VAT
Note 3: In situations where staff routinely have to apply such methods as described in this course we can provide extended and in-depth versions of up to 10 days duration, again with refresher and monitoring options.

"The best course I've ever been on."
Marie MacLennan, Day care officer