PMVA Training (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression)

PMVA Training explores the prevention and management of aggression and behaviours that challenge using the Able Target System. The Able Target System utilises a 6 stage model for behavioural management and personal safety that uses a three-tiered hierarchy of preventative, proactive and responsive strategies that blend person-centred care, trauma-informed models, positive behavioural support and therapeutic approaches.  The course also includes training in the use of physical intervention to manage high-risk situations and bring about a safe resolution to a dangerous incident or situation.

Our PMVA Training utilises the Able Target System, which has been praised as being more in-depth, more specific to the setting it’s being delivered to, and more thought-provoking than other training systems on the market by those who have attended it. All physical skills taught on our training courses have been independently medically risk assessed by a physiotherapist, clinical psychologist and people with lived experience and are also regularly pressure tested and amended to ensure they are effective, safe, and easy to learn. The techniques have been praised as surpassing expectations by those who have undergone our training.

All organisations who undergo accredited training will get access to our online Able Training Hub and have full access to with numerous resources, access, restraint reduction materials, risk assessments, and videos of all techniques taught.

PMVA 3-day Training course

The first two days of the PMVA course cover the required 12 hours of theoretical instruction required to meet the standards of the Restraint Reduction Network.  Attending delegates will learn and explore the causes of challenging behaviour and preventative and pro-active strategies for reducing and managing behaviours of concern and hazardous behaviour, focused on a person-centred approach using principles of positive behavioural support and trauma-informed practice. Delegates will then explore recognition of de-escalation and strategies for managing a situation once it has escalated, dynamic risk assessment principles to help stay safe and recognise the appropriate course of action to take, including an understanding of the law behind physical intervention and reasonable force, and when such approaches might be justified.

Staff will then learn physical techniques including disengagement, defence from strikes and kicks, as well as breakaway techniques to help escape from unwanted wrist, hair and clothing grabs, including escape from strangulation.

On day three of the PMVA course delegates will learn and explore the law and risks associated with restrictive practice and restrictive physical intervention, including the justification for restraint and when restraint can and can’t be used, with an emphasis on physical intervention being the last resort to control the risk of a highly dangerous situation when no other options are available, or all other options have been explored.

Delegates will then learn a variety of restrictive and non-restrictive physical intervention skills including relocation and guiding techniques, safe holding and appropriate restraint techniques including standing and seated stabilisation positions.  Staff will learn how to safely approach a dangerous situation as a team using a minimum of 2 people, and place someone into a restraint while keeping themselves protected against strikes.

PMVA 4–5 Day Training: Recommended for High-Risk Environments

Our 4–5 Day PMVA Training allows for additional training in advanced physical intervention skills and restraint for settings that require them.  The physical skills training goes to a higher level of intensity exploring scenarios and situations and giving staff additional time to practice and improve their skills.  Advanced techniques include safely taking someone to the floor and holding them in place, and moving someone on the floor while maintaining restraint in a way that is safe and respectful. (Additional physical intervention training in pod holds, seclusion and chemical sedation can also be included dependant on setting, risk assessment and a thorough training needs analysis.)

The course content is as above but we include a full day of conflict management, managing challenging behaviour and de-escalation training before we progress to the physical skills. The physical skills training goes to a higher level of intensity exploring scenarios and situations and giving staff additional time to practice and improve their skills.