Aim

• To provide a competent physical intervention training programme for all healthcare support workers who are expected to engage in physical intervention and restraint as part of their employed role.

• To provide a basic understanding of the law supporting the use of physical intervention.

 

Objectives

To allow the delegate to practice physical restraint techniques in a controlled environments and to instruct the delegate on

• The basic working principles of English Law in relation to the use of physical force.
• The various appropriate technical physical skills required for the competent application of physical intervention and restraint including appropriate methods of restraining, holding still and containing young people
• In the risks associated with the use of physical force for the purpose of physical intervention and restraint, paying special attention to Postural Asphyxiation.

 

Course Content

The course is comprised of both a theoretical session and a practical component. Theory sessions include current guidelines, personal experiences, best practice and legislative guidance and are delivered using power point presentations and group discussions to encourage delegate interaction and learning. Practice sessions allow delegates to practice physical intervention techniques in a controlled environment under supervision of a qualified instructor.

 

Legislation and Guidance for the use of Physical Intervention Techniques

Delegates will be provided with an awareness of when physical restraint techniques can be used in accordance with current good practice guidance and UK legislation. The course is designed to instil confidence in the delegate and an understanding of his/her legal position when positively restraining a service-user.

 

Effect of Restraint Techniques on different Service Users

Delegates are provided with an understanding of the effects of a physical restraint on vulnerable persons such as those service-users suffering from mental illness and young persons. Instructors teach delegates the need to maintain service-users dignity as far as possible and methods to achieve this.

 

Consequences of an Unlawful Restraint

Delegates are informed about the consequences of an unlawful restraint on a service-user. In particular any disciplinary or legal action that may be taken against them. This reinforces the need to have a clear understanding of the law in this area.

 

Risk of Positional Asphyxiation

Delegates will be taught that Positional Asphyxiation (PA) is a recognised cause of death. Service-users who have been restrained are particularly at risk from PA – delegates will talk though a number of case studies with Instructors to demonstrate the risk.

 

Different Escort, Holding and Restraint Techniques

The static training component of this course emphasises the need for therapeutic communication with the service-user at all time and delegates are taught that physical intervention techniques should only be used as a last resort.

Instructors tutor delegates in escalating degrees of restraint, from no-contact escorts (otherwise known as “friendly come-alongs”) to Holds and ultimately Restraints. Delegates are taught holds and restraints which can be applied to a number of situations in varying environments.

Course Certification

This is a pass or fail course. For the future safety of the delegate and service-users under the delegates care, instructors must be satisfied that the delegate is competent to be certified as capable of practising physical intervention techniques and possesses a clear understanding of the law in this area.