Physical Control in Care Training Manual - Independent Advisory ...

PHYSICAL CONTROL IN CAREDefuse the situationIt has always been recognised that the best defensive weapons thatstaff have are their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Staffwho successfully adopt effective communication strategies andinterpersonal skills will find that they are usually able to defuse apotential conflict.However even after attempts at effectively communicating anddefusing a conflict, it is recognised that at times staff may have noother option than to use force’Control the SituationAdopting an approach that is positive, assertive and confident willhelp to reduce the likelihood of an incident escalating uncontrollably.Controlling a conflict that has escalated beyond verbal reasoning maysometimes require the use of force.However, all staff must make their own decision about how torespond to any particular situation.If the use of force does become necessary, PCC techniques arealways the preferred option.Where PCC techniques are not practical or have become ineffectivestaff may have to resort to other means of protection, dependentupon the risk of harm presented to them.De-escalation and Interpersonal / CommunicationSkillsManaging AggressionThe effective management of aggressive young people is one of themost demanding aspects of working in an establishment. It is an areawhere good interaction and communication skills are required.The majority of situations, where there is a potential for violence, canbe handled through communication.© National Offender Management Service National Tactical Response GroupJuly 201020