BASIC DE-ESCALATION
De-escalation is the thing we do to help a person avoid going into the alarm
stage and becoming volatile. First and foremost we must have our own
heads in the right place so that we don’t have our buttons get pushed and
so that we make good safe decisions.
We de-escalate using words and other non-verbal communication
(paralanguage - body language, tone of voice, etc.). Making physical
contact with a student is the absolute last resort and only done for safety
reasons. The risk of injury to the student or yourself becomes
exponentially greater once physical contact is made. It may be very
frustrating, but it is not appropriate to use physical force to teach or modify
behavior. Often times it is just best to wait the student out.
When approaching a situation always keep the Three Guiding Principles in
mind, always assess your own stress level and get help if you are
struggling.
When de-escalating avoid unnecessary triggers and remember the basic
principles of de-escalation.
THREE GUIDING PRINCIPLES
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The intervention must meet the needs of the student (not necessarily the
needs of the staff person)
We must constantly reflect respect on the student (even if they are not
being respectful toward us)
The safety of everyone in the environment is our highest priority
Self Assessment
Stress Level
 Am I in my optimal Performance range?
 Is this situation something that I can deal with at this time?
 Am I the right person to intervene?
Paralanguage
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Paralanguage describes the non-verbal elements of communication.
Often used to convey emotion, Paralanguage included gestures, facial
expressions, pitch, volume and intonation.
Is my paralanguage confrontational or supportive?
Does my paralanguage match my actions?
Proximity
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Am I a safe distance from the escalated individuals?
Cultural Considerations
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Do I see the situation through their perception, experience or cultural
background?
Unnecessary Triggers
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Avoid blaming, shaming, or guilt trips
Avoid the term “Calm Down”
Avoid the words “No,” “Not” or any contraction of Not (i.e.: don’t)
Avoid using the phrases “I need you to…” or “You need to…”
Avoid arguing or engaging in a power struggle.
Avoiddirectly minimizing or contradicting the person’s stated problem
Basic Principles of De-escalation
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Rule of 5: Use short, simple words and phrases
Tim: Give the person time to cope
Space: Give the person breathing room to minimize the pressure or
demands
Redirect: Shift the person’s thoughts or actions to more productive
alternative ways to cope
Choices: Give or suggest options that allow the person to have controlof
the situation
Open a Door: Give the person a way out, to save face and minimize
embarrassment
Silence: Use silence to help de-escalate the situation