This course is designed to address the violent encounters commonly faced by first responders, including fire and EMS personnel. Participants will learn vital verbal de-escalation skills, effective scene safety protocols, and hands-on techniques to ensure both patient and personnel safety. The course highlights the prevalence of violent encounters in emergency response settings and offers strategies to minimize these risks. Drawing on principles from crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and verbal judo, this training prepares responders to safely manage aggressive or threatening individuals. It includes guidance on documenting violent incidents in compliance with legal standards and applying Missouri’s self-defense laws in the field. The course concludes with a hands-on practical session, emphasizing techniques such as maintaining safe distance, effective escape tactics, and non-violent restraint holds to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
Host: Hazelwood Fire Department 6800 Howdershell Road Hazelwood MO
Contact: Amanda Boyer at 314-422-3876 or aaboyer@hazelwoodmo.org
Sessions: January 5 2026 08:30-13:00
Partners: Missouri Division of Fire Safety
Funding provided by the Division of Fire Safety (DFS) and the Missouri Fire Safety Education / Advisory Commission. State Funding sources include the DFS General Revenue (GR) Fire Training Fund and Fire Education Fund.This course is designed to address the violent encounters commonly faced by first responders, including fire and EMS personnel. Participants will learn vital verbal de-escalation skills, effective scene safety protocols, and hands-on techniques to ensure both patient and personnel safety. The course highlights the prevalence of violent encounters in emergency response settings and offers strategies to minimize these risks. Drawing on principles from crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and verbal judo, this training prepares responders to safely manage aggressive or threatening individuals. It includes guidance on documenting violent incidents in compliance with legal standards and applying Missouri’s self-defense laws in the field. The course concludes with a hands-on practical session, emphasizing techniques such as maintaining safe distance, effective escape tactics, and non-violent restraint holds to ensure the safety of all parties involved.