Violence and aggressive behaviour can escalate to the point where restraint may be needed to protect the person or staff member(s) from significant injury or harm, even if all best practice to prevent such an escalation is deployed. Physical intervention must only be considered once de-escalation and other strategies have failed to calm the situation. These interventions are management strategies and are not regarded as primary treatment techniques.

This customisable policy refers to restraint meaning a reactive physical intervention to stop someone harming themselves, those around them or damaging property.  Restraint referring to a pre-planned deprivation of liberty such as a bed rail or wheelchair belt is covered by the Mental Capacity Act and DoLS Policy.

This policy is intended to provide guidance in relation to the nature, circumstance and use of approved restraint techniques currently adopted across your company. Its aim is to help all involved to act appropriately in a safe manner, thus ensuring effective responses in potential or actual difficult situations. It sets out a framework of good practice, recognising the need to ensure that all legal, ethical, and professional issues have been taken into consideration.