Restraint incidents can be distressing for everyone involved—both the individuals receiving support and the staff responsible for supporting. While restrictive interventions should always be a last resort, what happens after an incident is just as critical as what happens during it. This is where post-incident debriefing plays a vital role.
At Respect Training, we know that structured debriefing is an essential part of restraint reduction. Meaningful debriefing not only supports emotional recovery but also provides an opportunity for learning, improvement, and prevention of future incidents - which is why it forms a crucial part of our training.
Why is post-incident debriefing essential?
Understanding the root cause
Every incident has underlying factors. A debrief allows staff to explore what led to the event, including triggers, communication breakdowns, or unmet needs.
Minimising re-traumatisation
Without proper debriefing, individuals subjected to restraint may feel misunderstood, disempowered, or even re-traumatised. Engaging them in a separate debrief session ensures their voice is heard and their concerns are addressed.
Staff wellbeing
Staff involved in incidents often experience emotional and psychological stress. Reflecting on the event in a non-judgmental way helps staff process their experiences constructively.
Identifying patterns and triggers
Documenting warning signs and behavioural patterns helps teams recognise early intervention opportunities, reducing the likelihood of future incidents.
Strengthening team strategies
By discussing what worked, what didn’t, and how responses can be improved, teams develop more effective, least-restrictive strategies that promote safer environments.
Respect Training’s approach to effective debriefing
At Respect Training, we advocate for structured debriefing processes that align with best practices, including:
Comprehensive incident review: A factual discussion about what happened, why it happened, and any injuries sustained. This helps in determining whether restraint was truly the last resort.
Including all involved: Ensuring that individuals affected are offered a debrief in a safe space, allowing them to express their experience and identify their needs.
Documenting lessons learned: Staff must reflect on what could have been done differently and whether least-restrictive principles were applied.
Ongoing support: Identifying emotional or practical support needs for both staff and individuals involved.
Action planning for prevention: Creating and updating care plans to include identified triggers and strategies to prevent recurrence.
In short: How debriefing contributes to restraint reduction
By embedding debriefing into daily practice, organisations can foster a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and accountability. When used effectively, debriefing:
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Helps teams recognise early warning signs before escalation occurs
- Encourages a proactive rather than reactive approach to behaviour support
- Promotes empathy, understanding, and trauma-informed care
- Supports compliance with best practice guidelines, including the Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards
Conclusion
Post-incident debriefing is not just a routine follow-up—it is a vital tool for promoting a culture of learning, reducing restrictive practices, and enhancing the wellbeing of both staff and individuals receiving support.
At Respect Training, we are committed to helping organisations integrate meaningful debriefing into their practice, ensuring that every intervention leads to positive change.
Get in touch to discuss how we can support your team in reducing restraints and fostering safer environments.