PMT focuses primarily upon prevention. Participants closely examine staff related issues, environmental issues and the person as they relate to one another in both creating and preventing problems. Program attendees complete a Conflict Inventory, which helps them to identify their own strengths and weaknesses when in volatile situations.

Potential trainers are identified by the agency, but interviewed by PMT Associates, Inc or a PMT Associates, Inc designee. PMT will not train or certify instructors whom they feel cannot provide adequate instruction. When training trainers, emphasis is put upon effective teaching techniques, how to aid in retention, how to engage audiences, etc. PMT remains available to trainers for questions or problems, and typically phones trainers before their first training experience. Trainers are not considered certified until they have been observed by PMT Associates, Inc. or an appointed designee, while they teach their first two classes

Annually, instructors must be re-certified. As well, staff who have received the training must receive an annual refresher. PMT requires quarterly reports from agencies, which identifies how many people are trained, any problems, etc.

The course is well developed and fun to learn and teach. Many instructors have been teaching PMT for 10 years or more. They report that they still enjoy teaching the class after all this time. Responses from staff are consistently and overwhelmingly positive. On program evaluations, attendees often write things like, “I have had crisis training before and I didn’t think I would learn anything new or different – but I did. This class was great and a lot of fun!” At Evant of Ohio, office staff report that they know when PMT training is occurring, because people are energetic, and seem to be having a good time while at the same time, learning practical, easy to remember crisis intervention skills.

The techniques taught are constantly being evaluated and refined. At times, new techniques are offered, as the restraint training program undergoes revision and improvement.

PMT is not just a “cookie-cutter” approach. If a technique is not working on a particular individual, PMT staff are available for consultation and will help an agency modify a technique so that it can be implemented safely and effectively.

Crisis intervention is emphasized as a last approach and non-threatening and non-invasive positions and procedures are taught. Our goal is to teach you to use verbal intervention skills before any restraint techniques are deployed.

The crisis intervention techniques are based on sound philosophy and technique – not just copied from other programs. Participants learn pros and cons of particular moves. The developers, who are both still involved in overseeing this program, are a person with a martial arts background who is a national speaker/trainer on a variety of topics and a clinical psychologist.

Learn Restraint Techniques for handling crisis episodes.