De-escalation Techniques

• De-escalation is generally the first step someone may use to promote non-violent restraint instead of letting the situation escalate into a more dangerous one. This technique is used to prevent a behavioral outburst, thereby reducing the need for intense physical restraint. An individual using a de-escalation technique must exercise a calm demeanor; the goal is to reduce heightened levels of emotion in an intense situation. Anyone using this technique, such as a camp counselor or school teacher, must be trained to keep situations and emotions under control.
  
  

Physical Restraint Methods

• Physical restraint is considered non-violent when used on someone that is not aggressively or physically resisting. This non-violent restraint technique is still considered physical because it involves physically touching someone. A person using physical restraint might direct another individual gently by the hand, shoulder or elbow, away from his current location.
  
  

Medical Restrictions

• Non-violent restraint, although not aggressively physical, may not be used if a person has a known medical condition that prohibits physical restraint. Other methods, such as de-escalation, may be used to restrain such an individual.