When an acting-out person begins to escalate and lose control, chaos can result. A Crisis Response Team can assist in de-escalating the situation. The following tips will help you keep your team intervention organized and effective.
Safety In Numbers.
Intervening alone is dangerous. A team of two or more people will provide a safe approach for everyone, including the person in crisis.
Yell For Help. . .Quietly.
Team members should be summoned quickly and discreetly. Non-essential personnel will add to the confusion. Try to keep the number of team members to five or fewer.
Who’s In Charge?
Any good team needs a leader. It could be: the first person on the scene, a person with confidence and competence, or a person who has an established rapport with the person in crisis.
Follow the Leader.
This is not the time to take a vote on what needs to be done. The team leader must assess the situation, devise a quick plan, direct the other team members, and communicate with the person in crisis.
Practice, Practice, Practice!!!
Like any team, Crisis Response Teams need practice. Unannounced drills are the best way to improve effectiveness. Strive for realism, but don’t let your drills become crises. Warn appropriate agencies, such as police and fire departments in advance.
Can We Talk?
Use your experience during actual crises and drills as a foundation for debriefing sessions. In the debriefing, focus on what went right and how to improve next time.
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You can also download our free eBook, Creating a Safe and Caring Work Environment, which contains insightful tips and strategies you can share with your staff immediately to help promote a safe, caring and secure workplace.
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