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London Security College
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By London Security College Is Your Licence Near to Expire? SIA Refresher Training + First
By London Security College
Physical Intervention and Positional Asphyxia Prevention Checklist
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SIA Refresher Training + First Aid– Keep Your Licence Active! Only £199
Physical Intervention and Positional Asphyxia Prevention Checklist
BEFORE PHYSICAL INTERVENTION (Pre-Restraint Assessment)
🔲 Use verbal de-escalation first – Physical force should always be the last resort. Try calm communication, active listening, and negotiation.
🔲 Assess the risk level – Is the person violent, intoxicated, distressed, mentally unwell, or carrying a weapon? Risk level determines response.
🔲 Consider alternative solutions – Can verbal commands, team presence, or a change of environment de-escalate the situation? Redirecting attention or creating space may help.
🔲 Check for confined spaces – Avoid restraining someone in tight areas with restricted airflow. Make sure there’s room to move safely.
DURING PHYSICAL INTERVENTION (Safe Restraint Techniques)
🔲 Use the least amount of force necessary – Only apply force that is proportionate to the threat.
🔲 Avoid prone restraint (face-down positions) – This is the most dangerous.
🔲 Do not apply pressure to the neck, chest, or back – This can cause positional asphyxia.
🔲 Keep the person in a safer position—preferably seated or on their side, never face-down for extended periods.
🔲 Monitor the person continuously – Look for signs of distress or difficulty breathing.
🔲 Communicate with your team – Ensure everyone follows safe handling techniques.
🔲 Do not hold a person down for too long – Prolonged restraint increases risk.
WARNING SIGNS OF POSITIONAL ASPHYXIA
If you notice any of the following, release restraint immediately and get medical assistance:
🔴 Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
🔴 Weakening or no response
🔴 Turning blue (cyanosis) or pale skin
🔴 Gurgling, choking, or vomiting
🔴 Sudden limpness or loss of consciousness
🔴 Inability to speak or respond
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS IF POSITIONAL ASPHYXIA RISK IS IDENTIFIED
🔲 Release any pressure immediately – Remove restraint or reposition the individual.
🔲 Ensure the person breathes freely – Check for normal chest movement and responsiveness.
🔲 Move them into a safer position – Preferably sitting upright or the recovery position.
🔲 Call emergency services if the person is unconscious or struggling to breathe.
🔲 Begin CPR if necessary – If the person is unresponsive and not breathing.
🔲 Continue monitoring until medical help arrives.
POST-INCIDENT REVIEW & REPORTING
🔲 Document the incident thoroughly – Record what happened, how long restraint lasted, and any actions taken.
🔲 Check bodycam footage (if available) – Ensure all actions were lawful and proportionate.
🔲 Report to management and emergency services (if needed) – Ensure compliance with security policies.
🔲 Conduct a team debrief – Discuss what worked well and how to prevent similar situations in the future.
🔲 Review SIA training protocols – Ensure your handling techniques align with legal and industry standards.
LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
✅ Understand SIA licensing rules – Excessive force or improper restraint can lead to loss of your license.
✅ Follow duty of care principles – Security professionals must prioritise safety over force.
✅ Be aware of criminal liability – Unnecessary force or neglecting safety can result in legal action.
✅ Stay updated with training – Regular refreshers on de-escalation and physical intervention improve safety.
This checklist ensures security professionals handle physical intervention safely while preventing positional asphyxia.
When using physical intervention, it’s essential to prioritise safety and minimise harm at all times. The goal should always be to control the situation—not to punish the individual—and to use the least restrictive force necessary. Positional asphyxia, a serious and potentially fatal condition, can occur when a person’s breathing is restricted due to their body position during or after restraint. To prevent this, avoid placing anyone face-down or applying pressure to the neck, back, or chest. Wherever possible, keep the person in an upright or seated position, and continuously monitor their breathing, skin colour, and responsiveness. If they show any signs of distress or say they can’t breathe, stop the restraint immediately and provide assistance. Team-based interventions are generally safer and allow for better control and monitoring. Always ensure the incident is fully documented, including the methods and positions used, and seek medical attention if there are any concerns following the intervention.
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