pfc • 4 storms • calm within the storm

Handle a Violent Situation in a Non-Violent Manner
“The Calm within the Storm” is a self-defense program developed for human service providers who must deal with aggressive and destructive assault behavior and situations. This program is designed to begin once it has been determined that verbal calming and dissolving techniques are no longer an effective means for controlling a situation. The primary goal of the program is to provide staff members with physical intervention skills, self-protection skills, self-defense principles, methods and techniques which will enable them to Defend, Control and Restrain a violent situation in a non-violent manner.
We strongly suggest that all providers of human services receive instruction in the physiology of aggressive confrontation i.e. body posture, eye contact, and the verbal means of dissolving aggressive behavior before it becomes violent. However, when aggressive behavior becomes physical, the human services provider must possess the necessary skills to ensure the safety of the aggressor and all other parties involved. Knowing the proper Defend, Control and Restrain methods and techniques, how to apply them, and when to use them, is a vital part of every human service provider’s training. Although physical force should only be used as a last resort, it is often a necessary response. Defend, Control and Restrain knowledge and its physical training are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of both the staff and the aggressor. The methods and techniques taught during The Calm Within the Storm program will provide the human services professional with the knowledge and skill needed to reduce their own anxiety and gain confidence in their ability. This will empower them to remain calm, and not only weather the storm but control it!
Passive Aggressive Defense Methodology Passive: The human service provider must and is always acting in the best interest of the aggressor, keeping in mind the safety and protection of all involved. The human service provider can’t act out of anger or frustration. Defend, Control and Restrain methods are not a form of punishment. Caring, concern, understanding, and compassion are key to the execution of this method. Aggressive: Once it has been determined that physical force is necessary, it must be applied quickly, clearly and without hesitation or intimidation. Physical force is used to dissolve, restrain and control the aggressor with minimal harm to all parties. Force, when necessary, must be directed, appropriately applied and controlled with confidence.
The authors of these programs acknowledge that any time physical force is used there are some risks of injury to any or all of the parties involved. “The Calm Within the Storm” and the “Eye of the Storm” programs were developed to minimize the risk of injury through: Passive/ Aggressive Self-Defense Methods.
For further information on “The Calm Within The Storm Program” for human service providers, or the “Eye Of The Storm” self-defense training for the use of the general public please contact:
Eric R. Hibler at Pittsburgh Figh Club, (412-787-1162).