Understanding the risk factors involved with the use of physical intervention
In health and social care settings, there may be occasions when physical intervention is required to prevent immediate harm. However, physical restraint must only ever be used as a last resort. At Respect Training, we are committed to reducing reliance on restrictive practices in line with the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards, and we are firmly opposed to prone restraint – we do not teach or endorse it under any circumstances.
Understanding the risk factors involved with the use of physical intervention is essential for ensuring safe, ethical, and person-centred care.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional training.
Key risk factors involved with the use of physical intervention
Positional asphyxia
Certain restraint positions – especially those that compromise breathing – carry a high risk of positional asphyxia, a potentially fatal condition. Face-down (prone) restraint significantly increases this risk, which is why Respect Training does not teach or support any prone restraint techniques. Instead, we promote safer alternatives and ensure staff are trained to monitor wellbeing throughout any intervention.
Medical emergencies
People supported in care may have pre-existing medical conditions that heighten the risk of adverse outcomes during restraint, such as epilepsy, asthma, or cardiovascular issues. Staff need to be able to recognise signs of medical distress quickly and respond appropriately, reinforcing the importance of medical awareness in training.
Psychological trauma
Being physically restrained can be deeply distressing, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma. The emotional and psychological impact may last long after the incident. That’s why we focus on trauma-informed approaches and prevention and de-escalation strategies to avoid physical intervention wherever possible.
Environmental risks
Restrictive interventions are further complicated by the environment. Confined or cluttered spaces, slippery floors, or the presence of hazards can escalate risk. Staff should be trained to carry out dynamic risk assessments and make informed decisions based on their surroundings.
Inadequate training and competency
Improper use of restraint due to lack of training or poor technique can increase the likelihood of injury. Regular, competency-based training is vital to ensure staff understand both the legal and ethical responsibilities of any intervention — and, crucially, how to avoid using restraint at all through early, preventative work.
How to reduce the risk of physical intervention
1. Commitment to RRN Standards
By implementing the Restraint Reduction Network Training Standards, organisations foster a culture of care that is grounded in human rights, dignity, and person-centred values. Respect Training is fully aligned with these standards in all our programmes.
2. Prevention and de-escalation at the heart of practice
Our approach teaches staff how to prevent crisis situations from escalating using non-physical, relational techniques. By strengthening communication, understanding triggers, and engaging empathetically, we reduce the need for physical restraint.
3. Regular reflection and review
All incidents involving restraint should be subject to robust debriefing and review to identify patterns, improve practice, and share learning across teams. This is essential in building a safer culture over time.
4. Person-led care planning
We strongly advocate for care plans—and training—that are co-developed with people who have lived experience of restrictive practices. At Respect Training, we involve people with a lived experience of restraint in the design of our programmes to ensure learning is authentic, empathetic, and rooted in real-world understanding.
Creating safe and respectful care environments
At Respect Training, we are dedicated to reducing the need for physical intervention by focusing on prevention, de-escalation, and ethical practice. We do not support or teach prone restraint, and our training is rooted in evidence-based, person-centred methods that place safety, dignity, and respect at the heart of care.
To find out more about how we support teams across health, social care, and education with fully RRN-aligned training, visit get in touch.