Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Consistent with the federal government’s Fifteen Principles of Restraint & Seclusion, CRT prioritizes safety, dignity, and the prevention of both seclusion and restraint whenever possible. CRT clearly emphasizes that seclusion and restraint should only be employed as a last resort—specifically in emergency situations where immediate danger exists and less restrictive alternatives cannot ensure the safety of the individual in crisis or others nearby. Additionally, CRT maintains that restraint or seclusion must never be used for discipline, coercion, forced compliance, or convenience, and strictly prohibits any techniques that impair breathing or cause harm. CRT emphasizes that physical interventions should be administered with the least amount of force necessary for the least amount of time possible.


CRT defines restraint as a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of an individual to move his or her torso, arms, legs, or head freely.


CRT's philosophy on the use of physical restraint centers around the idea that restraint is used only as a last resort in an emergency situation when a person is in danger of hurting him or herself or others. Restraint is never to be used as a form of punishment, convenience, coercion, retaliation, intimidation, or forced compliance.


Absolutely! We firmly believe that the majority of restraints can be prevented by utilizing research and evidence-based de-escalation strategies, and we dedicate a large portion of each training session to equipping participants to employ these techniques.


No, CRT is not a "take-down training." Research indicates that most injuries associated with restraint occur when an individual is brought to the floor using forceful techniques. Furthermore, documented incidents of fatalities have been linked to the use of prone restraint. CRT is committed to teaching safe and effective restraint methods that are performed while maintaining a standing position.


Participants in a "staff training" learn about the crisis cycle, identifying warning signs of danger, understanding the neuroscience of dysregulation, and mastering safety techniques to protect themselves and others. The training also covers research and evidence-based de-escalation strategies, state-specific restraint laws, and practical escape and restraint methods for emergency situations. The "train-the-trainer" program includes all components of the staff training, plus specialized instruction on how to effectively train others within their organization. Those enrolled in the train-the-trainer program receive additional materials and instructional videos to support their teaching efforts. CRT can also tailor a program that combines elements of both staff and trainer courses to meet specific organizational needs.


CRT never charges additional fees for materials. Train-the-trainer participants may reproduce CRT materials for use in training staff members of their employing organizations at no additional charge.

Materials to be supplied by Certified De-escalation & Restraint Training (CRT)
Material Format/Access
Instructor Guide (Trainer Participants) Hardcopy & Online Access
Participant Manual (Staff & Trainer Participants) Hardcopy & Online Access
Scenario Guides (Trainer Participants) Hardcopy & Online Access
Training PowerPoint (Staff & Trainer Participants) Online Access
Restraint Laws Abbreviated Handouts (If Applicable) (Staff & Trainer Participants) Hardcopy & Online Access
Hands-On Technique Videos (Staff & Trainer Participants) Online Access
Trainer Review Modules (Trainer Participants) Online Access
Certification Cards (Staff & Trainer Participants) • Hardcopy for Trainer Participants.
• Online access for Trainer use when certifying other staff members.

CRT has successfully provided safe and effective restraint and de-escalation training since 2008 with clients reporting a decrease in the number of restraints preformed as a result of our de-escalation training and our promotion of the idea that restraint is only appropriate as a last resort. CRT is both a high-quality de-escalation and restraint program and is the most cost-effective program on the market. CRT staff are available to travel to your location which can save your organization the added expense of travel.