EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES WITH AGGRESSIVE & MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS
Our society is becoming increasingly violent, and sadly, mentally ill individuals are not immune to this trend. With substance abuse and poverty compounding problems, agencies must become increasingly concerned to assist their employees in maintaining their own safety. Aggressive behavior often occurs with no advanced warning. It can occur in a patient’s home, out on the street, or in a hospital.
We offer training in a tailor made format to suit the needs of your agency. This training is directly geared for firefighters and EMTs who must intervene in emergency medical situations, often as first responders before police arrive. Our program is designed to address concerns around the types of patients you must interact with, and the types of aggression that they potentially express.
In addition, in a number of states, changes in the law require fire/EMS to be first responders rather than police in calls concerning mental health, welfare checks and possible medical emergencies. Contrary to procedures in the past, there are many situations where police are no longer to be used to ensure that the scene is safe, and that the people of concern are unarmed and present no threat. It is therefore imperative that firefighters and EMTs receive specific training on de-escalation and tactical communication with potentially volatile people.
Core Program
The core program can include:
- Verbal de-escalation techniques
- Basic understanding of mental illness
- Use of spacing, stance, the eyes and voice to calm an individual or establish control
- Establishing lines of communication with the mentally ill
- Physical evasion and protective tactics, using environmental tools, during attacks
- Balancing the demands of difficult patients with the needs of other patients and staff
Clinical Settings
Your clinical, teaching, or intervention skills will be greatly enhanced. When you feel both strong and confident, you are able to offer a powerful compassion that draws even volatile people to you in trust.
Supplemental Information: Required for All Trainings
The participants each must purchase or have purchased for them copies of the Edgework book associated with their profession. (see Edgework Books)