Dynamically assessing the risk of assaultYou may have already seen the process of dynamic risk assessment using your Door Supervision Training. This can be applied to reduce the risk of assault in a situation.
1.
Step back - Don't rush into an intervention - is it really necessary? If you have to account for your actions, then you need to be able to show a clear justification for how you approached the situation.
2.
Assess threat and risks of harm to staff and to others through a decision to use physical intervention or not. Your action should be guided by the specific risk of harm presented in the situation.
3
Find help - Identify when assistance is needed and let colleagues know your intentions.
4.
Evaluate options available and inform the decision whether to intervene, when and how. Apply the principle of 'least aversive / forceful method' in response. Can you justify the chosen approach legally, ethically and professionally?
5.
Respond with the best option available and continuously monitor for changes in risks to all parties during and following an intervention.
This is a continuous process for monitoring risk to all parties and will help inform a decision to de-escalate use of force and / or withdraw.