De-Escalate To Safe State (DESS)

About the Course

De-escalate to Safe State is our first and best tool to calm a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. The program teaches empathy vs. judgment, patience, thoughtfulness, mindfulness and self control. By using verbal and non-verbal cues, many situations can be de-escalated to a peaceful state, which would otherwise have become dangerous for all involved. The DESS program teaches an effective and hands-free approach to bring the agitated, confused or inebriated patient back to Safe State.

What is Safe State?

Safe State is a state of mind and body now absent of dangerous thought, intent or action.

Who is this training meant for?

ITTC’s De-Escalation program is designed for clinical staff, EMS, law enforcement, and security teams.

Will Dess be a relevant solution to my needs?

DESS technique and approach was developed by first responders with over 20 years in law enforcement, crisis intervention, behavioral health, addiction, and recovery fields.

Simple and effective, the ITTC DESS Twelve Point strategy will give your team an easy guide to follow when they are working in challenging critical conditions.

What Does DESS Teach?

The DESS empathetic approach to de-escalation teaches staff important verbal skills, such as establishing common ground with patients and keeping the line of communication neutral and open.

Staff will also learn invaluable non-verbal skills, such as softening their body language and gaze as well as respecting the client’s personal

space.

DESS identifies and solves a variety of pitfalls which professionals fall into during a long and difficult work shift, such as fatigue.  DESS teaches patience, listening and the ability to adjust their approach accordingly to the client cues.