This full-day Physical Intervention and Breakaway Techniques course equips care staff with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage physically challenging situations safely and respectfully. It is designed as a progression from our De-escalation & Breakaway course and focuses more on physical techniques, safe disengagement, and personal safety.

The session explores when and how to use physical intervention within the bounds of reasonable force and best practice, with strong emphasis on prevention, de-escalation, and maintaining dignity throughout. Staff will have the opportunity to learn and practise safe “soft holds,” breakaway techniques, and stance and positioning methods suitable for a range of care settings.

The techniques used are designed for people of varying physical ability and do not rely on strength. This course is appropriate for staff working in environments where behaviours that challenge may result in physical risk, including adult care services and specialist settings.

Key Learning

• Recognising behaviours that may lead to physical risk
• Understanding and diffusing aggression early
• Applying the hierarchy of response appropriately
• Tools and communication strategies for conflict resolution
• Physical stance and positioning for safety and control
• Introduction to soft holds and breakaway techniques
• The concept of reasonable force and legal context
• Risk assessing and managing physical intervention appropriately

Staff working in frontline care sometimes face situations where behaviours that challenge escalate into physical confrontation. This course supports safe and lawful responses by equipping learners with core knowledge of physical intervention, personal safety, and safe breakaway techniques.

The session begins with an overview of behaviour triggers, early warning signs, and the importance of de-escalation. It then moves on to the physical elements — including breakaway techniques, stance and positioning, and soft holds — demonstrated and practised under supervision. The training is adapted to accommodate individual learners’ physical ability and is inclusive of all body types and experience levels.

Participants are expected to engage in practical activities involving close physical contact. Safety, dignity, and consent are prioritised throughout, with a clear code of conduct and sensitivity to individual needs. The course also outlines the legal framework around “reasonable force” and expectations for documentation and safeguarding follow-up.

The training reflects good practice in social care settings and includes discussion around responsibilities under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and relevant Health and Safety legislation. It is particularly beneficial for teams supporting individuals with behaviours that pose a physical risk.

Relevant Standards Covered (by element):

Care Certificate Standard 3.1 – Duty of care in practice

Care Certificate Standard 4.2 – Identifying risks to health and safety

Care Certificate Standard 4.3 – Safe practices for handling hazardous situations

Care Certificate Standard 5.6 – Supporting independence while managing risk

Care Certificate Standard 6.5 – Non-verbal communication and personal space

Care Certificate Standard 13.1 – Basic health and safety responsibilities

Care Certificate Standard 13.4 – Personal safety and conflict awareness

Health and Social Care Act 2008 – Safe care and treatment

Use of Reasonable Force – Guidance for Social Care

Open course per person           £117
In-house for up to 6 people     £507
In-house for up to 12 people   £539