1. De-Escalation Training
Presented by Sandy Ortiz
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

2. Unit I: The CPI Crisis Development Model
Instructional Objectives:
Define crisis development in terms of four distinct and identifiable behavior levels.
Match each Crisis Development/Behavior Level with an appropriate corresponding Staff Attitude/Approach.
Provide the best possible Care, Welfare, Safety and Security for in individuals in our facilities.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

3. The CPI Crisis Development Model – pg. 7
Crisis Development /Behavior Levels
1. Anxiety –
A noticeable increase or change in behavior.
Staff Attitudes / Approaches
1. Supportive -
An empathic, nonjudgmental approach attempting to alleviate anxiety.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

4. The CPI Crisis Development Model – pg. 7
Crisis Development /Behavior Levels
2. Defensive –
The beginning stage of loss of rationality. At this stage, an individual becomes belligerent and challenges authority.
Staff Attitudes / Approaches
2. Directive -
An approach in which a staff member takes control of a potentially escalating situation by setting limits.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

5. The CPI Crisis Development Model – pg. 7
Crisis Development /Behavior Levels
3. Acting out person –
The total loss of control, which results in a physical acting-out episode.
Staff Attitudes / Approaches
3. Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention -
Safe, non-harmful control and restraint techniques used only as a LAST RESORT when an individual presents a danger to self or others.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

6. The CPI Crisis Development Model – pg. 7
Crisis Development /Behavior Levels
4. Tension Reduction –
A decrease in physical and emotional energy and a return to baseline behavior.
Staff Attitudes / Approaches
4. Therapeutic Rapport -
Establish rapport.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

7. Unit II: Nonverbal Behavior
Instructional Objectives:
Raise awareness of nonverbal communication during interventions.
Illustrate how personal space or proxemics affects the Anxiety Level of an individual.
Illustrate how body posture and motion or kinesics affects the Anxiety Level of an individual.
Emphasize prevention and de-escalation of a crisis by fostering awareness of nonverbal communication.
Provide the best possible Care, Welfare, Safety and Security for in individuals in our facilities.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

8. Unit II: Nonverbal Behavior pg. 8
Proxemics – personal space
Personal space varies from person to person and the context of the situation. For most people it’s 11/2 to 3 feet.
Personal possessions are an extension of personal space.
Asking personal information is an invasion of personal space.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

9. Unit II: Nonverbal Behavior pg. 8
Proxemics – personal space
Factors:
Culture
Gender
Size
History
Hygiene
Rapport/relationship
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

10. Unit II: Nonverbal Behavior pg. 8
Kinesics (body language)
Facial expressions – eye contact
Gestures
Posture
Body Orientation
Approach
Appearance
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

11. Unit II: Nonverbal Behavior pg. 8
Reasons for CPI Supportive Stance –
Communicates respect by honoring personal space.
Is non-threatening/non-challenging.
Contributes to staff’s personal safety – offers an escape route.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

12. Unit III: Paraverbal Communication
Introduction:
This section of the course is designed to show that when attempting to defuse a situation, it is essential to be aware of not only what we say to an individual, but how we say it. Only a small percentage of the message we deliver to a person is delivered through words.
How we deliver a verbal intervention to defuse a situation is equally, if not more important, than the words we use.
This part of communication is called paraverbal communication. It is the link between nonverbal (proxemics and kinesics) and verbal communication.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

13. Unit III: Paraverbal Communication – pg. 8
Definition –
The vocal part of speech, excluding the actual words one uses (how you say what you say).
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

14. Unit III: Paraverbal Communication – pg. 8
Components and Suggested Approaches
Tone:
Try to avoid inflections of impatience, condescension, inattention, etc.
Volume:
Keep the volume appropriate for the distance and the situation
Cadence:
Deliver your message using an even rate and rhythm.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

15. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention
Introduction:
This section of the training explores the second level of the CPI Crisis Development Model (the Defensive Level) and introduces strategies to intervene effectively. A model called the CPI Verbal Escalation Continuum is used to guide staff through various behaviors commonly found within the Defensive Level.
The purpose of this model is to provide staff with tools to utilize in a verbal intervention.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

16. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention
Instructional Objectives:
Identify different levels of defensive behavior in the CPI Verbal Escalation Continuum.
React to the verbally acting-out person with an appropriate verbal response to defuse the potential crisis situation.
Illustrate how inappropriate staff reactions may cause an escalation in behavior.
Provide the best possible Care, Welfare, Safety and Security for in individuals in our facilities.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

17. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.9
1. Questioning:
Information-seeking: a rational question seeking a rational response.
Challenging: questioning authority or being evasive; attempting to draw staff into a power struggle.
Interventions:
A. Give a rational response.
B. Stick to the topic (redirect), ignore the challenge (not the person), set limits if individual persists.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

18. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.9
2. Refusal:
Noncompliance.
Interventions:
Set limits.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

19. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.9
3. Release:
Acting out, emotional outburst, loss of rationalization; blowing off steam, screaming, swearing; high energy output.
Interventions:
Allow them to let off steam, if possible. Remove audience or acting-out person from the area. When the individual begins to quiet done, state directives that are non-threatening. Use an understanding, reasonable approach. Be prepared to enforce any limits you set.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

20. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.9
4. Intimidation:
Individual is verbally and/or nonverbally threatening staff in some manner. Hands-on approach at this time may trigger physical acting-out behavior.
Interventions:
Seek assistance and wait for team to intervene, if possible. Try to avoid individual intervention. Complete a Threat Assessment and document all threats.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

21. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.9
5. Tension Reduction:
A drop in energy, which occurs after every crisis situation, whether it is after low-level defensive behaviors or after intimidation.
Interventions:
Establish Therapeutic Rapport – re-establish communication with the individual. This stage will be discussed in greater detail later in the training.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

22. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.10
Keys to Setting Limits:
Simple and clear – be specific, state what behavior is appropriate and why; give choices; avoid professional jargon.
Reasonable – are choices fair?
Enforceable – if not you lose credibility: use building/district policies and procedures; student rights; give them time and space/
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

23. Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.
Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.10 Verbal Intervention Tips and Techniques Do
Remain calm
Isolate the situation
Enforce limits
Listen
Be aware of nonverbals
Be consistent
Don’t
Overreact
Get in a power struggle
Make a false promise
Fake attention
Be threatening
Use jargon (it tends to confuse and frustrate)
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

24. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.10 Empathic Listening
Empathic Listening is a powerful tool for rebuilding relationships with the individuals under your charge. By taking the time to listen, you not only demonstrate your commitment to them, but you also communicate the message that they are people of value and worth.
Empathic Listening is one of the best ways to strengthen trust and rapport with those in your care.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

25. Unit IV: Verbal Intervention -pg.10 Empathic Listening
Definition: an active process to discern what a person is saying.
Key Elements:
Be nonjudgmental
Give undivided attention
Listen carefully to what the person is really saying (focus on feelings, not just facts).
Allow silence for reflection
Use restatement to clarify messages.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

26. Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.
Unit V: Precipitating Factors, Rational Detachment, Integrated Experience pg. 11
Introduction:
This unit is designed to provide insight into the causes of escalating behavior. An individual’s behavior is often affected by factors over which staff have little or no control. By understanding these underlying causes of escalating behavior, staff can project a more professional attitude and minimize personal conflicts with those in their care.
It is also important for staff to recognize that their behaviors have an impact on the behaviors of those in their care, and vice versa. This concept, called Integrated Experience, was introduced in the first unit and is further explained in this unit.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

27. Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.
Unit V: Precipitating Factors, Rational Detachment, Integrated Experience – pg. 11
Instructional Objectives:
Identify underlying factors which precipitate escalating behavior.
Maintain professional attitudes during a crisis intervention by rationally detaching.
Understand the reciprocal relationship between the behavior of staff and the behavior of those in their charge, especially during crisis intervention.
Provide the best possible Care, Welfare, Safety and Security for in individuals in our facilities.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

28. Unit V: Precipitating Factors- pg. 11
Definition: internal or external causes of acting-out behavior over which a staff member has little to no control.
Examples:
Loss of personal power
Need to maintain self-esteem
Fear
Failure
Attention seeking
Displaced anger
Psychological/physiological causes
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

29. Unit V: Precipitating Factors- pg. 11
Understanding Precipitating Factors can help staff to:
Prevent acting-out behavior by being proactive.
Depersonalize crisis situations by recognizing that we are seldom the cause of the acting-out behavior.
Avoid becoming a Precipitation Factor ourselves. If we are not able to rationally detach from a potential crisis situation, we become a part of the problem and may actually precipitate acting-out behavior from an individual.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

30. Unit V: Rational Detachment pg. 11
Definition: ability to stay in control of one’s own behavior and not take acting-out behavior personally.
Key points:
Before Crisis
Develop a plan: pre-planed and rational
Rehearse the plan: role play to breed confidence.
Develop a team: provides safety
During Crisis
Use plan
Use team
Positive self-talk
Post Crisis
Debrief with those involved – staff and student
Staff need to find a positive outlet for the negative energy absorbed during a crisis
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

31. Unit V: Integrated Experience pg. 11
Definition: the concept that behaviors and attitudes of staff impact behaviors and attitudes of those in their care, and vice versa.
Key Points:
Individuals do not act out in a vacuum.
If we stay in control when we encounter a disruptive individual, we can display a positive action which will not escalate the person’s behavior: imbalance = escalation and balance = de-escalation
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

32. Unit VI: Staff Fear and Anxiety
Introduction:
This unit will allow you to deal with a very common factor in a crisis situation: fear. It is a natural – and sometimes beneficial – emotion. Anxiety is a form of fear in which we anticipate what might happen in a crisis situation. Fear results from a lack of knowledge and understanding. It can affect us in many ways.
In this unit, we will learn about the unproductive, as well as the productive, reactions to fear and anxiety. It is important to remember that you can never eliminate your own fear; however, you can learn to control fear and use the energy it creates to your advantage.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

33. Unit VI: Staff Fear and Anxiety
Instructional Objectives:
Understand the causes of fear.
Identify the productive and unproductive behaviors caused by fear.
Learn how to make fear/anxiety work for you in a crisis situation.
Provide the best possible Care, Welfare, Safety and Security for in individuals in our facilities.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

34. Unit VI: Staff Fear and Anxiety
Unproductive
Freezing – inability to react to a situation
Overreacting – Psychologically: perceiving a situation as worse than it really is. Physiologically: motor skills do not function normally.
Responding inappropriately – Verbally: saying things that are not pertinent to the situation; using offensive or inappropriate language. Physically: striking out at someone; not being able to control our actions.
Productive
Increase in speed and strength – increase in adrenaline causes superhuman speed and strength.
Increase in sensory acuity – special alertness or sharpening of our senses.
Decrease in reaction time – we take less time to react than we would under normal circumstances.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.

35. Unit VI: Staff Fear and Anxiety
Ways to control fear and anxiety:
Understand what makes us afraid.
Learn techniques to protect both ourselves and acting-out individuals in a crisis.
Use a team approach – don’t respond alone.
Learn physical intervention techniques to manage acting-out individuals, if necessary.
Taken from the Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc.