This is a training film, in two parts, showing a range of de-escalation films being used by a nurse on a mental health inpatient unit.

The first part shows poor practice, clearly demonstrating what it is a clinician might do, and what there might be in his response that makes a situation worse when faced with a patient who is highly aroused and distressed.

In the second part, simple skills are used which rapidly de-escalate the same situation.

When watching the film, try and identify the factors that make things worse in part one and those that successfully de-escalate the situation in part two, breaking them down into environmental, non verbal and verbal factors.

If you want to read more about the subject matter of this film, you can try "A Pocket Guide to Risk Assessment and Management in Mental Health", by Chris Hart and published by Routledge. It's available as an e-Book, on Amazon and in book shops.