Instructor Resource Hub: Mastering De-Escalation

Welcome to your dedicated resource page for teaching the Mastering De-Escalation course. Below, you’ll find everything you need to feel confident, prepared, and supported in delivering a successful session.

Course Overview

Course Title:
Mastering De-Escalation: Safely Managing High-Tension Situations

Course Objectives:

  • Recognize escalation cues (verbal, non-verbal, and environmental).

  • Quickly identify unsafe environments and take decisive action.

  • Apply verbal de-escalation techniques, including active listening and calming language.

  • Utilize non-verbal strategies, such as reactionary gap and open body language.

  • Stay calm under pressure while establishing safe boundaries.

Training Details

Location:
365 Main Street – 3rd Floor, in the Old Wells Fargo Building

Class Start Time:
8:15 AM (Please arrive by 7:45 AM to set up.)

Class Contact Person:
Jennifer Gallo, RN, BSN, MHA, WCC, CCS-HH
Executive Director, VNA Health at Home
Waterbury Health

Contact Details:

  • Phone: 860.274.7531

  • Cell: 203.586.8773

  • Email: Jennifer.gallo@vnahealthathome.org

Instructor Checklist

What to Bring:

  • Lesson plan (download below).

  • Handouts for participants:

    • Quick-Reference Guide.

    • De-Escalation Flowchart.

    • Personal Safety Tools List.

  • Scenario cards for role-playing activities.

  • Laptop or USB drive with PowerPoint presentation.

What to Test Before Class:

  • Projector or screen compatibility.

  • Availability of whiteboard and markers.

  • Room layout for group discussions and role-playing.

Resources and Downloads

1. Lesson Plan

  • Download: Mastering De-Escalation Lesson Plan (PDF)
    This comprehensive plan will guide you through the flow of the session, including objectives, timing, and activities.

2. PowerPoint Presentation

  • Download: Mastering De-Escalation Slides (PPTX)
    Visually engaging slides to support your instruction.

3. Handouts

  • Quick-Reference Guide: Download (PDF)

  • De-Escalation Flowchart: Download (PDF)

  • Personal Safety Tools List: Download (PDF)

4. Scenario Cards

  • Download: Role-Playing Scenario Prompts (PDF)
    Prompts for realistic practice sessions with participants.

Class Agenda

Welcome and Introduction (8:15 – 8:25 AM)
Kick off the session with an opening discussion. Share the objectives for the training and establish a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere.

Recognizing Escalation (8:25 – 8:45 AM)
Guide participants in identifying escalation cues. Cover verbal cues (e.g., raised voices, hostile language), non-verbal cues (e.g., clenched fists, pacing), and environmental cues (e.g., blocked exits or visible weapons).

Verbal De-Escalation Techniques (8:45 – 9:15 AM)
Teach participants how to use verbal techniques like active listening, empathy statements, and calming language to diffuse escalating situations. Incorporate practical examples and allow time for group discussion.

Break (9:15 – 9:25 AM)
Provide participants with a 10-minute break to refresh and reflect on the content covered so far.

Non-Verbal Communication Strategies (9:25 – 9:45 AM)
Introduce non-verbal techniques, including maintaining a safe stance, reactionary gap, and controlled movements. Provide demonstrations and opportunities for hands-on practice.

Decisive Action for Safety (9:45 – 10:05 AM)
Focus on assessing risks and deciding on appropriate actions, such as de-escalation, creating distance, or leaving the situation. Incorporate exercises that simulate real-world decision-making.

Key Takeaways and Wrap-Up (10:05 – 10:15 AM)
Recap the core concepts covered in the session. Answer participant questions and collect feedback on the training.

Tips for Success

  1. Engage Participants:

    • Use personal anecdotes to make the content relatable.

    • Encourage questions and group discussions.

  2. Stay on Schedule:

    • Keep track of time for each segment.

  3. Be Prepared for Scenarios:

    • Familiarize yourself with the role-playing prompts in advance.

    • Guide participants with constructive feedback.

  4. Adapt to the Audience:

    • If participants are hesitant, start with simpler examples.

Support

If you have any questions or need additional resources, please reach out:

Chris Marciano
Prepare To Act

  • Phone: 203.704.7532

  • Email: chris.marciano@preparetoact.com