The Hidden Dangers of "Hands-Off" Policies and Bans on Prone Restraints in Crisis Management
Professional Crisis Management Association
Training Solutions Proven to Create Safe & Positive Learning Environments
In the world of education and specialized care, the use of physical restraint is a topic laden with controversy and emotional weight. Understandably, compassionate educators and advocates reel at the thought of restraining students. The adoption of "hands-off" policies appears to be a straightforward solution to the ethical dilemmas posed by physical restraint. However, while these policies aim to eliminate the risks associated with restraint, they inadvertently introduce a myriad of other problems that can compromise the safety and learning environment for all involved.
On the surface, hands-off policies resonate with our desire for non-invasive approaches, mirroring a societal push towards more humane treatment in educational settings. But as disturbances and dangerous behaviors intensify without appropriate interventions, these policies can lead to decreased learning opportunities and increased danger. Such an environment not only stifles educational outcomes but also poses significant risks to the physical and psychological well-being of students and staff alike.
The Dream of a Safe and Positive Culture
Every educator dreams of fostering a positive climate where safety and an eagerness to learn thrive. This ideal, however, is often at odds with the practical realities of managing a classroom, especially one that includes students prone to crises. Effective crisis management systems, which include well-defined criteria for the judicious use of restraints and a strong emphasis on evidence-based prevention and de-escalation strategies, can help realize this dream. These systems ensure that restraint, when used, is a precise, carefully considered act aimed at safety and de-escalation rather than punishment.
In the broader context of societal norms, setting limits is an accepted and necessary practice. From parental controls to educational settings, boundaries play a crucial role in socialization and safety. For instance, verbal limits suffice for older children and adults, but in situations where immediate danger is present, physical intervention becomes a necessity to prevent harm. Thus, while the idea of restraint is uncomfortable, its strategic use cannot be entirely dismissed, especially in scenarios where the safety of the individual or others is at stake.
The Complex Issue of Prone Restraints
The use of prone restraints is a contentious issue, with some states and facilities banning them due to tragic incidents where individuals have died. These are deeply unfortunate events, and they highlight the need for stringent safety measures. However, eliminating all prone restraints can be likened to banning automobiles because specific models have led to fatalities. At PCMA, we have developed a prone restraint method that prioritizes the dignity and safety of the client and the security of the staff. Our approach involves using a mat and ensuring that there is no pressure on the joints or diaphragm, thus addressing the critical issues associated with traditional prone restraints.
Prone restraints, when used correctly, provide a necessary option for managing larger, stronger individuals who may not be safely managed with vertical restraints. Alternatives like supine restraints often require more staff and can escalate behaviors due to the individual's ability to see and interact with staff directly. This can lead to situations where facilities are unable to accept individuals who exhibit aggressive or self-injurious behaviors, ultimately denying them necessary services. For a deeper look into issues associated with banning prone restraints, check out this article written by Dr. Merrill Winston and PCMA founder, Neal Fleisig.
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The Right Approach: Balancing Compassion with Pragmatism
The ideal crisis management approach balances safety with compassion, employing restraint not as a punitive measure but as a component of a holistic strategy that includes:
Conclusion
While the sentiment behind hands-off policies is laudable, their practical implications necessitate a more nuanced approach. By fostering environments where preventive measures and ethical restraints are understood and skillfully applied, we can protect the safety and dignity of all students. As educators and caregivers, it is our responsibility to equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to manage crises compassionately and competently, ensuring that our schools remain both safe and conducive to learning. Our goal at PCMA is to train individuals in a system that is robust, refined, and responsive to the complexities of human behavior, providing a safe framework for crisis management for over four decades.
About the Author
Specializing in human performance, coaching, and organizational leadership, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni is a behavior scientist and educator who has worked across education and human services for almost three decades. In this capacity, he has served the needs of children and adults through various positions, including COO, Vice President, Director of School Improvement, Leadership Director, Professor, Assistant Principal, School Turnaround Manager, Clinical Coordinator, Therapist, District Behavior Analyst, and Director of Progam Development and Public Relations at PCMA. Dr. Gavoni is passionate about applying Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), or the science of human behavior, to make a positive difference in establishing safe, productive, and engaging environments that bring out the best in faculty and staff so they can bring out the best in the learners they serve. He is an active board member of the Opioid Awareness Foundation and World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance.
Known for his authenticity and practical approaches, Dr. Gavoni is the host of the Top 1.5% globally ranked Crisis in Education Podcast and a sought-out speaker at various Educational and Behavior Analytic Conferences Internationally. He a the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling co-author of The Scientific Laws of Life & Leadership: Behavioral Karma; Quick Wins! Accelerating School Transformation through Science, Engagement, and Leadership; Deliberate Coaching: A Toolbox for Accelerating Teacher Performance; and MMA Science: A Training, Coaching, and Belt Ranking Guide. Dr. Gavoni is proud to introduce OBM and Applied Behavior Analysis to worldwide audiences through his numerous publications and his work with PCMA to create productive, safe, and positive cultures.
Beyond his work in education and human services, Dr. Gavoni is also a former Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion and a highly respected striking coach in combat sports. Coach “Paulie Gloves,” as he is known in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community, has trained world champions and UFC vets using technologies rooted in the behavioral sciences. Coach Paulie has been featured in the books Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams a the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts, A Fighter’s Way, and the featured article Ring to Cage: How four former boxers help mold MMA’s finest. He is also an author who has written extensively for various online magazines such as Scifighting, Last Word on Sports, and Bloody Elbow, where his Fight Science series continues to bring behavioral science to MMA. Finally, Paulie was also a featured fighter in FX’s highest-rated show at the time, The Toughman, and as an MMA coach in the Lifetime reality series Leave it to Geege.