Physical Intervention Training
Introduction
At some point while performing their duties, security providers may encounter challenging situations. Despite all the planning, preventive strategies and de-escalation techniques, one may not always be able to avoid the use of physical interventions to safeguard the security and reduce the risk of injury during challenging situations. The use of physical interventions during unavoidable circumstances can be utilized effectively and safely with proper knowledge and techniques. Adequate understanding and sufficient skills can be enhanced through various training programs. Physical Intervention Training is a program that has been specifically designed to provide an understanding of the basic principles in the use of physical intervention techniques. Individuals working in the security sector, who are prone to encounter people with difficult and challenging behaviours, will benefit from Physical Intervention Training.
Physical Intervention
Physical intervention is a set of skills specifically designed to manage and handle challenging and difficult situations in order to avoid physical encounters and maintain safety. The techniques involve the administration of “reasonable force” and direct body contact to restraint, hold, escort or immobilize an individual whose behaviour can cause a security threat to the public or injury to self. Included in physical interventions are techniques used in risk prevention and in the proper method of escorting and disengagement. Non-restrictive and restrictive skills on proper holding and escorting are essential with the use of this intervention.
Importance of Training
Physical Intervention Training is beneficial for individuals who need to handle difficult and challenging situations everyday. Individuals who are at risk of handling dangerous people and choose to utilize non physical strategies will enjoy the full benefit of this program. Some jobs require the handling of drunk or individuals who are not in the proper state of mind and elicit behaviours that can cause harm to self and others as well.
The main goal of the Physical Intervention Training is to enhance the skills of security providers when handling difficult situations, with the use of minimal force. If force is required the individual will be taught the necessary skills on how to properly handle or restraint an individual with respect to the legalities and medical safety. The safety of others and self is the main concern in these training programs.
Physical intervention is the last resort when handling an individual whose behaviour can cause harm to self and to others. It entails the use of force and body contact; hence the legal, ethical and medical implications should be considered. Security personnel must weigh the security threat and identify when the use of “reasonable force” over the rights of the person and the legalities of the actions are the suitable course of action. With such complexity, these physical interventions require the necessary skills and knowledge. Physical Intervention Training will facilitate the enhancement of understanding and development of skills among security providers. Security personnel are required to undergo Physical Intervention Training as part of their qualification and it also serves as a requirement when applying for a license renewal.
Course Description Physical Intervention Training Course:
is all about the proper handling of individuals; be it restraining, escorting or assisting. This program has been specifically developed to enhance the knowledge of security personnel on the proper skills of physical interventions and the legal implications of the use of this method. The course tackles several concepts and the sciences behind physical intervention.
The Basic Physical intervention course is a one day course. Level 2 Physical Intervention Training will be covered during a 1 to 3 day lecture. On the other hand, Level 3 Physical Intervention Training runs for 5 days. Practical assessments and examinations will be given to measure competencies among trainees. Aside from completing the required lectures hours, trainees are also required to pass the examination in order to be rewarded with the certification. Upon completion of the course, the Level 2 Intermediate Award in Physical Intervention Training Certification is given for security personnel and the Level 3 Physical Intervention Training award is given to trainers of physical intervention modules in the security sector. It is a legal requirement amongst security personnel and a required module for Door Supervisors.
Physical Intervention Training course outline
The Level 2 Physical Intervention Training are designed for security providers. Sample scope of the course involves the following topics and description:
- Physical Intervention in General: This deals with the basic concept of physical intervention. Why and how to execute physical intervention properly and safely.
- Medical and Legal Implications: This module covers the lectures on the legalities and the possible medical risk involved in the use of physical interventions and physical contact.
- Proper Delivery and Execution of Physical Intervention: This module includes the demonstration on application of physical intervention. Topics under this modules includes the following:
a) Basic Anatomy: The basic anatomy of the human body is tackled here in order give an overview on how to properly restrain without inflicting damage and pain to individuals.
b) Positioning: Teaches the proper posture and body position when trying to restrain, escort, or assisting an individual.
c) Body Mechanics: Trainees are instructed on how to position the body and the extremities properly in order to execute physical intervention safely.
d) Standard Procedures: Deals with the recommended guidelines on the application of physical interventions.
e) Disengagement Techniques – This module focus on non-physical technique to prevent assault and harm in the security sector.
f) Escorting Techniques – Discusses the proper restrictive and non-restrictive skills for holding, accompanying and escorting.
g) Safety Issues: Physical intervention needs to be safe for both the individual concerned and the handler as well. Medically speaking, the chosen intervention needs to be safe and inflict minimal force to cause no harm to individual and the security provider.
The Level 3 Physical Intervention Training for trainers involve the modules on vital processes and skills needed for training providers. The topics covers the basic concepts of physical intervention, teaching skills in Physical Intervention Training delivery and assessment strategies as guide for trainers in evaluating participant competencies.
Conclusion
With adequate training, security providers can deliver the proper techniques in physical intervention. The knowledge gained form the completion of the course will ensure that the principles and standards are upheld; resulting in safe practices. Because of the ethical and legal implications in the use of physical force, proper communication skills, conflict management skills and preventive strategies are always fundamental in dealing with challenging behaviours. Non- physical interventions are a priority in the prevention unnecessary conflicts and injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who should enroll in this program?
- Physical Intervention Training is recommended for individuals whose job requires physical intervention as part of their qualification, or individuals who need their licence renewed. The training is restricted to personnel working in security sectors and those certified in conflict management.
- How long will the Physical Intervention Training last?
- Depending on the level of certification needed, the course can run anywhere between 2 and 5 days.
- Will close one on one teaching be provided during the program?
- Classes for Physical Intervention Training are kept in small groups to ensure that all the concepts and skills are taught individually.
- What qualifications will be obtain from undergoing the Physical Intervention Training?
- A level 2 Award for Physical Intervention are given to security personnel who have completed the training program. For trainers and those who are providers of training, A Level 3 Award for Physical Intervention Trainers in the Private Security Industry will be given.
- Who will benefit from the Physical Intervention Training program?
- The training is beneficial for individuals working in the security sector and licensed premises. The training is also a requirement for door supervisors, close protection security provider and vehicle immobilizers. Those who would like to teach physical intervention will also require pass this course.
Currently in the UK physical intervention/restraint training is awarded through various organizations and small businesses such as ICM, BIIAB/Maybo, BTEC,nfps, HABC, Skills for security and ACPO.