Mini course · Foundation level
De-escalating Aggressive Patients & Families
Calm tense situations with words before they become dangerous, and know when to step away.
What is De-escalating Aggressive Patients & Families?
Healthcare workers face verbal aggression and violence from patients and families more often than many other professions. Fear, pain, long waits and confusion can all trigger aggressive behaviour. This course teaches how to recognise early warning signs, protect your own safety, use verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques, respond to situations such as intoxication or confusion, and know when to call for help and how to report the incident.
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Lessons
- 4
- Level
- Foundation
- Format
- Online, self-paced
What you'll be able to do
- Identify common triggers of aggression in healthcare settings
- Recognise early warning signs of escalating behaviour
- Position yourself and the environment to maintain personal safety
- Apply verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques in a described scenario
- Decide when to disengage and call for help
- Document and report an aggressive incident
Who this course is for
Course content
4 lessons · 1 hour total · free preview available
1Why Aggression Happens
14 minFree preview· Course content
Why Aggression Happens
Triggers in healthcare settings.
2Reading the Warning Signs
14 min· Course content
Reading the Warning Signs
Available after you enroll.
3De-escalation Techniques
18 min· Course content
De-escalation Techniques
Available after you enroll.
4Staying Safe and Reporting
14 min· Course content
Staying Safe and Reporting
Available after you enroll.
Earn a credential employers can check
Every AIHCM credential has a unique ID that anyone can verify online in seconds.
Issued: on completion
How it works
- Finish all 4 lessons at your own pace.
- Get your digital credential with a unique ID.
- Share it — employers can verify it at aihcm.us.
Questions people ask
Does this course teach physical restraint?
No. Physical intervention requires hands-on training and must follow your organisation's policy.
Do the techniques work on the phone?
Yes. The course includes de-escalating calls and messages.
What support should I get after an incident?
Report it and use your organisation's staff support services. The course explains why reporting matters.
How is this different from Workplace Violence Prevention?
This course builds individual skills; Workplace Violence Prevention focuses on organisational programmes.