Violence and aggression are uncomfortable realities in today’s healthcare settings. Whether in hospitals, care homes, or community support, frontline staff can face unpredictable behaviour from service users under stress or in distress. That’s why PMVA training—Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression—has become an essential skillset for healthcare professionals across the UK.
What PMVA Really Means
PMVA training is more than a compliance requirement. It’s a structured approach designed to give staff the awareness, communication, and practical skills to prevent, de-escalate, and, if absolutely necessary, safely manage violent incidents.
At its heart, PMVA focuses on prevention first—spotting early warning signs, applying verbal and non-verbal de-escalation, and maintaining calm, respectful interactions. Only when all other options fail does it introduce safe physical intervention methods that prioritise dignity and safety.
Why It Matters in Healthcare
Every healthcare organisation has a duty of care under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) to protect staff and service users. For NHS trusts, care providers, and mental-health organisations, PMVA training supports compliance with CQC standards and Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) expectations.
Properly trained staff:
- Reduce incident frequency and severity
- Build confidence to handle challenging behaviour
- Lower workplace stress and absenteeism
- Improve service-user experiences
The Human and Organisational Impact
Without effective PMVA training, incidents can escalate into injuries, safeguarding investigations, or even legal claims. Conversely, well-trained teams foster calm environments where staff feel supported and valued—leading to better retention and morale.
Who Should Attend
Typical participants include nurses, healthcare assistants, support workers, HR and management teams—anyone in a role where aggression may occur. Training can be tailored for hospitals, mental-health units, or residential care settings.
The Training Process
Courses usually include:
- Theory – recognising triggers, legislation, policy
- De-escalation skills – communication and positioning
- Breakaway techniques – safe disengagement
- Physical interventions – minimal, proportionate control
PMVA Training Courses offers accredited courses across the UK, delivered by qualified instructors who understand healthcare pressures.
👉 Ready to protect your team and patients? Book your accredited PMVA training course today at PMVA Training Courses.