Physical Intervention

Why HWC’s Physical Intervention Program?

Comprehensive, Least Restrictive, Versatile and Safe. HWC’s is the most comprehensive, safe and versatile physical intervention program in the world.    Our program teaches how to safely de-escalate situations and, if necessary, apply physical interventions in a way that is least restrictive and effective  thus minimizing harm to both the individuals involved and those around them. There is no other program that comes close to the effectiveness, breadth, versatility, adaptability and safety of HWC’s program.

Expert Reviewed & Field Tested. HWC’s program is the only program that underwent 10 years of field study, development and overview under the supervision of some of the most accomplished and experienced medical minds at Pennsylvania Hospital.  HWC has been extensively evaluated by leading forensic (forensic pathologists) experts, state policy makers, chief medical examiners, law enforcement, schools, doctors, nurses, paraprofessionals, licensed social workers, teachers, principals, superintendents, state approval boards in Juvenile Justice, Education, Human and Family Services

Fewer Incidents, Less Injuries and Faster Recovery Arcs. HWC’s holding methods are designed to be both safe and effective.  If your current physical holding method is ineffective, tentative or it does not produce the quality of touch necessary to reliably produce a faster recovery arc, you should consider replacing it with a method that does. HWC’s holds will result in fewer incidents, less injuries and faster recovery arcs.

Best Practice and Trauma Informed.  The main goal of HWC is to create and maintain safer, more caring environments.  HWC’s training in safe interventions activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) so the client  feels safe, comforted and grounded.  This allows the client or student to move from an anxious or stressed state to a calm state faster.  This is exactly the biochemical/physiological reaction one would want when using a physical holding method.   This is exactly why schools and organizations using HWC’s program experience less injuries, less incidents and shorter hold times

Standing, Seated and Floor holds. HWC provides standing, seated, prone and supine configurations.  We have options that conform with the requirements of every state jurisdiction and our program is customized to meet your state, organization or school rules and policies.

Patented.  The PRT is patented for its constellation of safeguards to prevent chest compression and the possibility of positional asphyxiation.  The Tripod Modification is a “weight bearing bridge” that enables your smallest and largest male and female staff to perform safe floor holds without placing any weight on the client’s back or chest.

Team Approach. A team approach is always the best approach.  We believe that the use of single person restraint methods, even one as effective as ours, the PRT, should be limited to emergencies when there are no other options.  Our two and four person team restraint components are engineered around the PRT to address a wide range of behaviors and situations.

Pre-School and Early Elementary Aged Children.  We have a special holding method for use with children as young as 3.

Customized Adaptations.  HWC has adaptations for any special physical and/or emotional needs of your clients, including clients who are confined to wheelchairs, amputated or broken limbs, casts, insulin pumps, IV’s, other medical conditions, pregnancy, trauma, PTSD, head injury, developmental and learning disabilities, personality disorders, major psychiatric disorders, dementia and autism, etc.

Components of HWC’s Physical Intervention Training :

  • Understanding when physical intervention is appropriate/justified.
  • Situational awareness and understanding personal space
  • Self defense, defense of others including third person saves and breaking up fights.
  • Physical holds
  • Escort/Transport
  • Letting Go
  • Specialized & optional interventions i.e., time out , seclusion, pregnant females, pre-school & early elementary aged children.

See our brochures for a more detailed outline.

For more information contact us:

Tel: 845-255-4031