Violence in Healthcare Is Rising. Your Team Deserves Protection.
critical in healthcare
Healthcare professionals experience more workplace violence than any other industry in the U.S. Emergency departments, psychiatric units, and nursing homes see the highest risk—often due to patient intoxication, psychosis, delirium, or dementia.
Unfortunately, it’s not a matter of if—but when. Most violent incidents are initiated by patients, and without the proper training, your team is left vulnerable. Direct Action Training’s De-Escalation for Healthcare Providers is built to address this urgent need. We equip your staff with proven techniques to recognize, respond to, and reduce aggression—protecting themselves, their colleagues, and their patients.
who we serve
This training is specifically created for nurses, CNAs, and ER staff, as well as behavioral and mental health professionals, hospital security teams, nursing home and assisted living staff, and healthcare administrators and HR leaders. The course meets Joint Commission standards and supports compliance with CPI and the Duty of Care Act.
what your staff will learn
This highly interactive training blends instruction, demonstration, and role-playing for real-world application.
Key components include:
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Visual Awareness: How to spot early aggression signs (clenched fists, pacing, sweating, etc.)
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Safety Protocols: How to position, communicate, and call for help while staying safe
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Communication Techniques: How to shift language and tone to calm agitated individuals
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Physical Skills: Escape tactics, defensive positioning, and non-lethal control methods
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Legal Literacy: Understanding what is and isn’t justified under the law
Participants will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to avoid escalation and prevent violence—without compromising their care.
TRAINING FORMAT AND OBJECTIVES
The De-Escalation Training for Healthcare Providers is delivered as a 4–6 hour hands-on session, offered either on-site or at a designated off-site location. To ensure realism, there is no dress code—participants are encouraged to wear what they normally would to work. The training includes interactive roleplay and scenario-based learning, with a maximum class size of 35 participants. An All-Hazards Risk Assessment is also available upon request.
Training objectives cover verbal de-escalation and escort techniques, command presence and situational control, arm drags, body locks, takedown methods, upright and ground control applications, coordinated team responses, and how to effectively articulate all actions taken under use-of-force guidelines.
