Answer:

The idea that training staff in physical intervention will lead them to use it excessively stems from a misunderstanding of human nature and the role of empowerment.

This is really a discussion about whether the personal empowerment of staff is good or bad.  In the same way that empowering students with tools for self-regulation, resilience, and positive coping skills enables them to handle difficult situations without resorting to aggression or defiance, training staff in physical intervention is not about promoting its use but about giving them confidence and preparedness to maintain safety when a truly unsafe situation arises.

Safety Comes First

It is only by creating a physically and emotionally safe environment that organizations and schools can offer their clients and students a foundation from which they can learn, heal or grow.

Without the tools to ensure safety, teachers and staff are left vulnerable to situations that may compromise the well-being of both themselves and their students or clients. By limiting a person’s ability to respond effectively in situations where safety is at risk, the very foundation of the organization’s or school’s mission is undermined.

From healthcare clients who may be ill, in pain or scared to students who are neurodiverse, from different cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds, or who have experienced trauma, feeling safe and trusting their environment can be a significant challenge. If staff are not provided with the tools they need to ensure safety, clients and students may lose trust in them, feeling that the staff cannot protect them from the physical or emotional harm that might arise from a situation. Furthermore, when staff feel disempowered and fearful, it affects their ability to remain calm and regulated. A fearful or dysregulated staff member will struggle or be unable to effectively support or set appropriate limits for a dysregulated student or client.

From our experience, based on training many thousands of organizations and schools over four decades, trained or not, staff do not want to engage in physical interventions at all.  There is almost always a reluctance to become physically engaged, even when safety necessitates it.

What is typically experienced post physical intervention training is an improvement in Staff’s ability de-escalate a situation using “Support” and “Limit Setting” interventions.  Clients and students test the emotional solidity of the people (i.e. staff) around them by attempting to activate a response. When staff are equipped with the tools to ensure their own safety and the safety of others, they are not driven by fear. As a result, they are now able to remain calm, coherent, and emotionally regulated.  In fact, the number of restraints after training should decrease, not increase. 

Handle With Care.  Everyone Deserves To Be Safe.

The post HWC Q&A: How Does HWC Training Decrease The Need For Physical Intervention? first appeared on HWC WP.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care creates an environment that understands trauma and promotes a universally safe, supportive environment that is sensitive to the needs of persons (i.e. students, clients, children, staff) who may have experienced trauma.  Staff and teachers are trained to recognize signs of trauma and to provide a supportive and predictable environment, with a focus on safety, trust, and positive relationships.

Trauma-Responsive Care

Trauma-responsive care focuses on the unique needs, behaviors, triggers of those persons who have experienced and are affected by trauma.  Here customized interventions like calming techniques, co-regulation, support, de-escalation strategies, trauma-focused therapy and individual educational or behavioral plans are used.

How Many Students Are Affected by Trauma?

Research suggests that one in four children experiences some form of trauma before the age of 18.  According to studies such as the National Survey of Children’s Health, it is estimated that over 60% of children have experienced at least one type of traumatic event, with many students enduring multiple adverse experiences. Trauma may include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, bullying, community violence, and more.

Trauma Care Best Practices

Trauma-informed care is based on six core principles namely: safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment and responsiveness.

Safety Comes First

People who have experienced trauma often have difficulty feeling safe or trusting their environment or other people. Those who have experienced a traumatic event often feel less safe than others. HWC understands the impact of trauma on the entire human organism, which is why safety (creating a safe physical and emotional space) is our number one priority.  By creating a physically and emotionally safe environment, organizations and schools can offer their clients and students a foundation from which they can begin developing resilience and a secure sense of self and the world around them.  There are two components to safety:

• • Physical safety: Ensuring clients and students have a secure physical environment (e.g., no bullying, no violence, a safe space with no triggers).
  • Emotional safety: Encouraging supportive interactions, allowing for emotional expression, development of self and resiliency and minimizing or providing an environment that minimizes retraumatizing experiences.

The critical questions every client and student wants to know, “am I safe, do you care, will you help me, can I trust you”?

Connection: Strong, supportive relationships help to rebuild trust and promote positive behaviors. HWC’s Solid Object Relationship Model (SORM) teaches that the most effective way to de-escalate a situation is to be the person the client or student can trust and feel safe with.

SORM is a relationship-centered approach that teaches staff how to behave in a manner that provides clients with the emotional and environmental support needed to convey trust, security and safety. Clients and students test the emotional solidity of the people (i.e. staff) around them by attempting to activate a response. HWC teaches staff how to recognize the purpose of the ‘test’ and appeal to the healthy components of the client’s personality, which seeks stability or homeostasis, to form an alliance.

Strategies include

• Being Affect Neutral
• Being empathetic
• Being trustworthy
• Providing support
• Giving choices and strategies to assist the client or student to calm down (breathing, slowing down, coping strategies, redirection)
• Providing a safe space
• Staying regulated (a dysregulated staff person will never be able to manage a dysregulated client or student).

As it relates to HWC’s SORM, the more positive the staff’s relationship with the student or client, the more likely they will allow you to support them during a time of dysregulation.

Some Of The Benefits of a Trauma-informed Organization or School 

Improved Emotional and Psychological Well-being

• Reduced Stress: Trauma-informed practices help create environments that minimize stressors and triggers for people who have experienced trauma. This can lead to decreased anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
• Increased Resilience: By fostering physical and emotional safety and supportive relationships, trauma-informed organizations and organizations help clients and students build resilience and better cope with challenges.

Enhanced Academic and Behavioral Outcomes

• Better Focus and Engagement: Students in a trauma-informed school are more likely to feel physically and emotionally safe, which can improve their concentration, participation, and academic performance.
• Reduced Behavioral Issues: Trauma-informed approaches emphasize understanding the root causes of behaviors. This can lead to a pro-active approach to eliminate triggers (i.e. bright lights, loud noises, raised voices, finger pointing) and put into place customized education or behavioral intervention plans that address the underlying trauma.

Take-away

HWC’s program is easily adaptable to the spectrum of trauma and neurodiverse clients and students.

HWC’s program focuses on interventions that have flexibility so that the intervenor can intervene in a way that works with and maximizes the strengths of the person.  The goal is to empower the client or student and give him/her/they tools to manage their own behavior.

To have a trauma-informed or trauma-responsive organization or school, safety comes first. Traumatized clients and students must learn that not all emotionally charged situations end badly, and that they can trust staff to protect them from the emotional and physical consequences of their and others behavior.

Handle With Care.  Everyone Deserves To Be Safe.

The post HWC’s Evidence Based Approach To Creating Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Organizations, Healthcare and Schools first appeared on HWC WP.

In this newsletter we will discuss how findings in neuroscience correlate to relationship-based crisis intervention behavior management models. Specifically, how HWC’s Solid Object Relationship Model (SORM) interacts with the nervous system to create a state of calm.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The Nervous System acts as your control center.  It is responsible for everything from your heartbeat and breathing to digestion, emotions and the way you feel.  The Autonomic Nervous System is comprised of two main parts: the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS).

Think of the PNS as the brake and the SNS as the gas pedal.

• The PNS is responsible for the “rest-and-digest” response that calms the body down. It allows us to relax, become calmer, more clear and focused.
• The SNS is responsible for the “fight-or-flight” response which primes the body for action against a perceived or actual threat. It can also be activated in cases of imaginary threats or fears.

In a regulated state, the interaction between these two parts of the ANS keeps our body’s functions running smoothly and maintains our emotional well-being.  In times of stress, our SNS protects us by activating bodily processes to increase arousal, alertness and activity.  Once the danger has passed, the PNS carries signals to deactivate these processes returning the mind and body to a state of calmness.

Whereas an “acute” or brief state of stress is helpful and productive, a constant or “chronic” state of stress is unhealthy and can lead to exhaustion, irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, and over time, more severe issues like hypertension and compromised immunity.

Neurons That Fire Together, Wire Together

The brain hardwires everything that we repeatedly do.  This principle can be summed up with the phrase “neurons that fire together, wire together.” Meaning, when one neuron repeatedly activates another via chemical messages, the connection between the two cells gets stronger. This is why it is important to stop bad behavior before the neuro-connections become “hardwired” or to interrupt the “hardwired” connection so that the connection lessens and new, more productive, neuropathways and behaviors can be established.

Regulation and Co-regulation

Behavioral or self-regulation refers to the ability to monitor, manage and regulate our own emotions and behavior.  Co-regulation (or attachment) happens when two people help each other regulate their emotions.  In the case of a teacher/student or parent/child, it can also mean teaching kids how to manage their behavior and emotions on their own.

Your stress can make another person feel stressed, your calm can make another person feel calm.  The reverse is also true, another person or child’s stress can make you feel stressed.  In order to assist in the regulation of another’s behavior, we have to be in control of our own behavior first.

Using the Solid Object Relationship Model (SORM) to Cultivate Attachment (Co-regulate).

SORM is based on the principle that a person in crisis will attach to a more solid object (co-regulator) to regain stability and homeostasis. Maintaining a calm emotional state by staff and faculty is absolutely critical to establishing an attachment where the student or child feels safe and they can trust you.  Many students chronically misbehave not because they do not want to behave, but because they have not developed the tools to gain mastery over their behavior. Attachment is all about safety, protection and emotional regulation in times of perceived threat or danger. The student or child must feel that they are in a space that is both physically and emotionally safe from harm.  The attachment with a Solid Object (You) has a positive regulatory effect on the physiological and psychological response to stress and the student’s return to a calm state.

A Solid Object does not respond to provocation or take things personally.

Qualities needed to be perceived as a Solid Object:

Calm ● Unafraid ● Centered ● Balanced 

Fair ● Empathetic ● Understanding 

Consistent ● Disciplined

Verbally Reassuring

©2024 Handle With Care®.  All Rights Reserved.

The post The Science of Behavior Management   first appeared on HWC WP.

This advisory is for supine (face up) holds.  If you use, teach and are trained in prone holds, see Module 7 for the PRT® TRIPOD ADVISORY for the safeguards for the PRT in its prone or face-down configuration.  If you, your organization/school, state etc. does not use or teach prone holds and YOU FIND YOURSELF IN A FACE-DOWN CONFIGURATION, REGARDLESS OF HOW YOU GOT THERE, you must either:

1. ASSIST HIM BACK TO AN UPRIGHT/SETTLE POSITION CONFIGURATION AND TRANSITION TO THE TWO PERSON SUPINE OR
2. LET GO OF HIM COMPLETELY

Supine floor Holding Safety Protocol:

Chest compression (placing sufficient weight or pressure on a client to restrict breathing), fatigue, client obesity, alcohol or drug use, heart conditions and/or other complicating medical and other factors (known and unknown to you) can all cause serious injury or death.  HWC requires that you “continuously monitor the physical and emotional safety of the client” for any evidence of emotional and/or physical distress in all of the PRT’s holding configurations (Standing, Settle, Supine or Neutral/Prone) for the duration of the hold.

Whenever possible, there should be someone posted near the head of the client who is dedicated to CONTINUOUSLY MONITORING THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY OF THE CLIENT.

Remain vigilant for any evidence of physical or emotional distress including, but not limited to, changes in or loss of consciousness, a sudden cessation of struggling, seizure, voiding of bladder or bowels, difficulty communicating, choking (indicating the possibility of aspiration), vomiting or heaving, changes in breath sounds, color, complaints of chest pain, difficulty breathing etc.  Observe for food, gum or foreign objects in the mouth which may cause a choking incident.  Consult with your organization’s medical staff if you have any question concerning the suitability of the PRT in any of its configurations for a particular client. HWC can also discuss any concerns with you or your medical staff and help you to make adjustments to the hold for specific clients, including modifications for casting of limbs, amputations, pregnancy, etc.

HWC recommends that every staff member with direct care responsibility or who will foreseeably be involved in a restraint, receive CPR training.

If a client is in distress assess the situation and determine what actions are appropriate, including, but not limited to:

• Releasing the client from restraint
• Calling 911
• Calling on-site or off-site medical staff
• Calling for assistance
• Implementing first aid
• Commencing CPR
• Physical examination
• Medical examination

 Additionally:

• Limit the number of takedowns by taking advantage of the walls and other stable structures for support and stability whenever possible. For in-facing standing PRT wall restraints, always back yourself to the wall first then smoothly turn the client to face the wall on the tightest possible axis.
• In an unassisted (solo) takedown to the settle or seated position, the PRT person is responsible for continuously observing and monitoring the client until someone else is in position to assume that responsibility.
• The two staff involved in our Supine hold are responsible for continuously observing and monitoring the client until additional help arrives. The first person to arrive to assist should position himself or herself at to the client’s head in order to be completely dedicated to the task of continuously observing and monitoring the physical and emotional safety of the client.
• Always protect the client’s head from contact injuries with the floor with the combination of an appropriate cushioning material and careful manual stabilization.
• If either of the staff members performing the hold is fatigued or, for any reason, needs to be relieved, he/she can be replaced by transitioning someone else into position, as demonstrated during training.
• It may be possible to avoid a Supine hold if you gain compliance (or policy dictates) by stopping at the “Settle Position”. Although the Settle Position is not as stable as our Supine hold, it can be additionally stabilized by changing to a “Modified Settle” (seated position), using the method described for pregnant females in Module 7. Use a wall, other stable objects or additional staff to help secure the hold and ensure that it remains upright and stable.
• If the supine hold is required, you may then switch to “Two Person Supine Method”.
• Initiate the physical “letting go process” (module 11) and take other appropriate steps as needed to transition the client out of the hold as soon possible i.e.as the client completes his or her “recovery arc” and returns to a calm mind state.

Download HWC Supine Holding Safety Advisory

The post HWC SUPINE HOLDING SAFETY ADVISORY first appeared on HWC WP.

Chest compression (placing sufficient weight or pressure on a client to restrict breathing), fatigue, client obesity, alcohol or drug use, heart conditions and/or other complicating medical and other factors (known and unknown to you) can all cause serious injury or death. HWC requires that a Tripod Modification be used for every person placed in the “Neutral Position” and that you “continuously monitor the physical and emotional safety of the client” for any evidence of emotional and/or physical distress in any of the PRT’s holding configurations (Standing, Settle, Supine or Neutral/Prone) for the duration of the hold.

The “Tripod Modification” is a “weight bearing bridge” used to support 100% of the weight of the PRT person, as demonstrated by the PRT Tripod Exercise (Module 7)), where class participants lay on the floor simulating they have someone in the Neutral Position. Its purpose is to demonstrate that each person being trained is capable of supporting their entire upper body weight on their outside elbow. The “Tripod Modification” distinguishes a Neutral Position PRT from any other prone or floor restraint because the entire weight of the PRT person is supported to eliminate chest compression; consistent with any policy that prohibits placing weight on a person’s back. The PRT is the only physical technique ever granted a (US and International) Patent for “An Apparatus and Method for Safely Maintaining a Restraining Hold on a Person.”

Whenever possible, there should be someone posted near the head of the client who is dedicated to CONTINUOUSLY MONITORING PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SAFETY OF THE CLIENT.

Remain vigilant for any evidence of physical or emotional distress including, but not limited to, changes in or loss of consciousness, a sudden cessation of struggling, seizure, voiding of bladder or bowels, difficulty communicating, choking (indicating the possibility of aspiration), vomiting or heaving, changes in breath sounds, color, complaints of chest pain, difficulty breathing etc. Observe for the presence of gum, food or foreign objects in the mouth which may cause a choking incident. Consult with your organization’s medical staff if you have any medical or orthopedic concerns about the suitability of the PRT® in any of its configurations with a particular client. Contact us to discuss any concerns that you or your medical staff have and to help you to make adjustments to a hold for specific clients, including modifications for the casting of limbs, amputations, pregnancy, etc. Call us at 845-255-4031 during regular business hours or for technical assistance call or text anytime, even during a hold, directly at: 845-380 7585.

HWC recommends that every staff member with direct care responsibility or who could foreseeably be involved in a restraint receive CPR training.

If a client is in distress, assess the situation and determine what actions are appropriate, including, but not limited to:

• Releasing the client from the hold
• Calling 911
• Calling on-site or off-site medical staff
• Calling for assistance
• Implementing first aid
• Commencing CPR
• Physical examination
• Medical examination

Additionally:

• The “Tripod Modification” should be initiated immediately during all Neutral Position holds. Appropriate cushioning materials, like the PRT Tripod Stand, can be placed under the weight-bearing (outside) elbow of the PRT person to extend the comfortable duration of the Tripod Modification.
• During an unassisted (solo) takedown, the PRT person is responsible for continuously observing and monitoring the client until other staff arrive on scene.
  Always protect the client’s head from contact injuries with the floor with the combination of an appropriate cushioning material (nothing that may cause suffocation or difficulty breathing), and careful manual stabilization.
• In Two Person Takedowns to the “Neutral Position”, when additional staff are not available, the leg assist person should leave his/her position at the client’s legs and position themselves at the client’s head to be completely dedicated to the task of continuously observing and monitoring the safety of the client and ensuring that the “Tripod Modification” is performed properly.
• If the PRT person is fatigued or, for any reason, unable to maintain a proper Tripod Modification, he/she can be relieved by transitioning someone else into the PRT position (as demonstrated during Module 7 Round-up conversation).
• Limit the overall number of takedowns by taking advantage of the walls and other stable structures for support and stability whenever possible. For in-facing standing PRT wall restraints, always back yourself to the wall first, then smoothly turn the client to face the wall on the tightest possible axis.
• It may be possible to avoid a Neutral Position if you gain compliance (or if policy dictates) by stopping at the “Settle Position”. Although the Settle Position is not as stable as a “Neutral Position” PRT, it can be additionally stabilized by changing to a “Modified Settle” (seated position), using the method described for pregnant females in Module 7. Use a wall, other stable objects or additional staff to help secure the hold and ensure that it remains upright and stable.
• Initiate the physical “letting go process” (module 11) and take other appropriate steps as needed to transition the client out of the Neutral Position as soon as the client completes his or her “recovery arc” and returns to a calm mind state.

Download PRT Tripod Safety Advisory

The post HWC PRT® TRIPOD SAFETY ADVISORY first appeared on HWC WP.

The protocol outlined below is based on the standards and requirements we are seeing across multiple regions and States.  These protocols will vary based on i.e. (1) State requirements; (2) phase of re-opening; (3) whether the training is on-site or via seminar, and (4) the client.

This protocol is subject to modification. We’re using the best available information at hand.

HWC Training Protocols include:

• Participants attending HWC Training must certify they are healthy and to the best of their knowledge NOT at risk of spreading COVID (i.e. do not have COVID symptoms, do not have COVID and are not in a quarantine or stay at home period if exposed to COVID).
• Participants who show signs of symptoms of COVID cannot attend training.
• The room size provided by the organization will meet State distancing or occupancy requirements for the number of Participants expected.
• Prior to attending everyone (HWC trainers included) will be asked to take their temperature and make an self-health assessment that they are not experiencing COVID symptoms. We’re setting 100 degrees Fahrenheit as the maximum temp permitted to participate. Please ask your staff to self-screen their temps at home on the morning of training.
• Prior to attending the training or entering the training room there will be a sign-in table where temperature will be taken, participants will sanitize or wash their hands, and gloves (hand sanitizing) and masks will be required.  We ask that no one enters the training room until their sign-in process is completed.
• Masks and gloves stay on unless the person leaves on a break.  When the person returns, s/he must resanitize and change gloves.  The same mask can be kept.
• Masks stay on unless you need to remove it to speak or breathe.  If the mask is taken off social distancing must be adhered to.  Before the mask is dropped the person must distance 6 feet from the nearest person.  Trainers can drop their mask for longer briefings, explanations, broadcasting training.  The trainer has to be at least 6 feet away if his/her mask is down.
• Where social distancing cannot be maintained, masks and gloves must be worn.
• During Personal Defense, each participant will keep the same partner.
• During the physical restraint training, including “spotting” practice, particpants will be divided into small groups and remain with that group throughout.
• HWC recommends that participants bring a change of clothing for after training

Additionally

If there is any question about scheduling HWC training, the Client should check with the State and/or licensing agency as to when training can proceed.

There may be last minute schedule adjustments or rescheduling due to COVID i.e. the trainer becomes ill and there is no time to provide a substitute trainer or a substitute trainer is not available, changing COVID protocols, restrictions or limitations.

If the last minute cancellation is due to HWC, we will cover HWC (not client) out-of-pocket travel costs.  If the last minute cancellation is due to the organization/client, the organization shall cover any HWC  incurred non-refundable costs.

The post UPDATED: HANDLE WITH CARE – COVID- 19 TRAINING PROTOCOLS first appeared on HWC WP.

We get frequent requests from HWC-trained agencies for guidance on training and implementing safety protocols regarding restraint procedures which are appropriate for Covid-19.

We occasionally see something that’s important, very well thought-out and worthy of passing on. Vermont Children, Youth & Family Services/Washington County Mental Health Services published a document entitled “COVID-19 Prevention Guidance Regarding Restraint Procedures in Community Setting with Children & Adolescents” that we believe is worthy of consideration especially if your licensor or State has not published similar guidance.

Please note that Vermont has fewer Covid cases than other States.  We ask you to apply your own judgement based on what you know about the situation in your own State/County/Organization and to defer to your State and County Guidelines if they conflict with the guidance given by Vermont.

Handle With Care

The post COVID-19 Prevention Guidance Regarding Restraint Procedures first appeared on HWC WP.

HWC is extending Instructor Certifications for 3 months.  If your Company’s License and Instructor Re-/Certification is coming due from now (and for some organizations from a few weeks ago) until June 1, 2020, we are issuing 3-month extensions.  After June 1, 2020 we will still issue extensions as circumstances dictate (i) some states are slower to re-open; (2) some schools are closed and staffing is out; (3) scheduling cannot be coordinated to a later date.  We are working with clients to ensure clients maintain certification and licensing a way that is ethical, moral and preserves the integrity and safety of the program.  Please call the office if you need an extension or for any questions.

Re: Basic Training

Agencies and schools are requesting guidance on how to handle the task of conducting initial training and refresher training for their staff at the “Basic” level and the feasibility of conducting virtual or remote training by Skype and other media.

We have conducted in-person training with all client organizations and schools since inception in 1984.  We have had “eyes” on every person we directly trained.  We know they are capable, or we would not have Certified them.  We have not had direct training contact “eyes” on staff that your in-house Instructors or Master Instructors have trained and have no way of assessing their capabilities. Only the organization or school can do that. Please consider the assets and liabilities of your staff when making your training decisions.

Federal and State guidelines, recommendations and orders regarding COVID-19 protocols by Governors are moving targets.  Two weeks ago, groups were limited to 50 people.  This week, they are limited to 10.  Some States are instituting virtual lock-downs “shelter-in-place” and insisting that everyone stay home.  As of this moment, the Federal guidelines on the CDC and White House websites are still limiting groups to 10.  We urge you to follow the recommendations of your State and Federal authorities check the CDC website daily, if not twice a day, for its latest information and recommendations.   CDC Website

March 20, 2020 HWC’s Training Guidelines  For Organizations and Schools Conducting In-house “Basic Physical” Training.

Remote or “Virtual” Training Protocol for Experienced HWC “Basic” Students.

• • Experienced Basic Student means a basic student who has been previously trained in-person, at least once within a 12-month period by an in-house HWC Instructor.

 Organizations and Schools using both prone and supine holds:

• • Focus on the physical restraint components.
  • Review everything in the training manual remotely, including Standing PRTs and the “Empty Handed Takedown Drill” and all of the safety precautions and protocols contained in Module 7 of the Instructor Manual.
  • Do not allow remote or virtual participants to perform a takedown with another person.  There is no one to “spot” for them remotely and we do not want staff injured because they were without direct hands-on supervision.
  • Remote and virtual participants can perform a correct “Escort Position” and a pass to a standing PRT.  They cannot perform the takedown.
  • See below for seated and supine instructions.

Organizations and Schools using supine holds only:

• • Same as above with the preliminary exercises and safety protocols.
  • To teach the PRT in the seated configuration, staff should start from the seated position.
  • When teaching the supine hold, staff should START FROM THE “PRT SETTLE POSITION”. Staff can then practice the pass to the two-person hold and the “1-2-3 Rock” to the supine configuration.

IT WILL BE EXTREMELY CHALLENGING TO TEACH AND TO CORRECT MISTAKES REMOTELY.

At best this is a temporary training stopgap for experienced staff.  It should not replace annual refreshers when the emergency is over.

 Remote or “Virtual” Training Protocol for first time HWC “Basic” students.

• • Please don’t.  There is no safe way to take them through the physical restraint components without direct supervision by an Instructor.

 Training Protocol For Conducting Hands-on Training.

• • As of today, groups are still limited to 10.  Make sure everyone follows CDC recommended safety protocols including washing their hands before training, on breaks and at the conclusion of training and follow the other common-sense guidelines by CDC.

If you choose to suspend all “Basic” training until June 1st, you have our full support.

This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time in our nation’s history.  We all want to behave reasonably and responsibly.

Everyone is doing the best they/you/we can to ensure everyone’s safety with respect to institutional safety and physical restraint matters – balanced against the reality and limitations imposed by this viral emergency.  While most, if not all schools are closed, many are still staffing 24/7 care facilities and hospitals.  We applaud you for your devotion. As important as training is, maintaining the health of everyone in the HWC family is first and foremost and that includes your students and clients.  If you’re staff get sick, your clients will get sick, too.

Update:

States are starting to re-open.  Click here to see the safety training protocols HWC is implementing.

If you need any assistance from us for any reason, do not hesitate to contact us by email at info@handlewithcare.com or by phone 845-255-4031

Do not hesitate to call me directly on my cell 24/7: 845-380-7585

Bruce Chapman, President, Handle With Care

And the Entire HWC Team

The post HANDLE WITH CARE – COVID- 19 TRAINING PROTOCOLS first appeared on HWC WP.

We are receiving requests for guidance on training as it relates to this current emergency.  Whereas, as recently as last week, we were offering the obvious common sense recommendations for conducting training responsibly and safely to minimize the chance of transmission.

We now urge you to check the CDC website daily, if not twice a day, for its latest information and recommendations, as the CDC and White House COVID-19 guidelines and protocols have been such a moving target that his emergency is now beyond our ability to forward advice. CDC Website

At the top of the CDC page, you will see a link to the White House.  The President recently announced a 15 day maximum effort to interrupt the transmission of the virus which includes the recommendation to limit gatherings to 10 people.  Whitehouse Website

If your Company’s License and Instructor Re-/Certification is coming due from now until May 15, 2020, we are issuing three month extensions.  This policy will be adjusted as circumstances dictate.  Please call the office for details.

As important as training is, maintaining the health of everyone in the HWC family is first and foremost and that includes your students and clients.  While most, if not all schools are closed, many of you are still staffing 24/7 care facilities and hospitals.  We applaud you for your devotion.  We will all get through this together.

Please feel free to call me directly at 845-255-4031 for any reason.  If the office is closed, you can reach me 24/7 on my cell: 845-380-7585.

Bruce Chapman, President, Handle With Care

The post Handle With Care’s Response to COVID-19 first appeared on HWC WP.

During every Handle With Care “Basic” and “Instructor” training program” a Certified Instructor is required to instruct and review the following information concerning the Primary Restraint Technique (PRT).

• The “Tripod Modification” creates a weight-bearing bridge that prevents the chest compression of a client in a “Neutral Position PRT”, thereby reducing the risk of positional asphyxia.
• Any combination of factors, including but not limited to the client’s physical condition, medications, chest compression, duration of the restraint and inattentiveness by staff can cause the death or serious injury of a client in a Neutral Position PRT.
• For the safety, health and welfare of your client, it is critical that you use the Tripod Modification and follow all of the guidelines listed in the “Tripod Advisory” that is included in your “Participant Manual”.

If the training you received did not include the Tripod Modification with all of its related precautions or you were not given a copy of the document titled “Tripod Advisory”, please inform your supervisor now and cease using the PRT immediately until you have reviewed and fully understand the Tripod Advisory.   Please call 845-255-4031 or email info@handlewithcare.com.

The post PRT Tripod Stand Instructions first appeared on HWC WP.