PMAV Level 1 (Basic) Training Course Athlone | Multi Skill Health & Safety

PMAV stands for Prevention and Management of Aggression and Violence. It teaches you to recognise early warning signs, communicate effectively, de-escalate situations and stay safe if one turns physical.

If you work in healthcare, residential care, community services, education or any public-facing role, challenging behaviour is something you’ll meet at some point. How you respond in the first few minutes usually decides how it ends.

This PMAV Level 1 (Basic) course gives you the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to spot the early warning signs, assess what’s going on, and de-escalate before a situation turns into a crisis. If it does become physical, you’ll know how to keep yourself safe and get out of it.

The focus is on prevention and communication first, with a practical session on safe disengagement and breakaway techniques. The training is fully in line with HSE guidance and adheres to restraint reduction guidelines.

It’s a good fit for staff in nursing homes, residential and community services, education, local authorities and other roles where aggression or distress can arise. You don’t need any previous PMAV training.

• How to make good communication part of your everyday work practice

• How to cope with anger, fear and stress, and the effect they have on you and on others

• How to spot the danger signs of challenging behaviour before it escalates

• What causes people to act out, and how to identify triggers

• How to handle conflict using non-physical intervention

• Techniques for stopping an incident from escalating

• Legislation and how it affects the way you respond to challenging behaviour

• Reporting and de-briefing after difficult incidents

• How to develop a strategy or action plan for your team and organisation to avoid and reduce conflict and aggression at work

• Real-world case studies

• HIQA guidance identified and explained

Breakaway and Safety techniques

• Safe disengagement techniques

• Non-harmful breakaway methods

• Hands-on demonstrations and guided practice

• Staying safe while keeping the dignity of the person you’re supporting

• Healthcare and care staff

• Nursing home and residential staff

• Community service workers

• Education staff

• Local authority and public-facing staff

• Supervisors, team leaders and managers who want a consistent approach across their team

This course draws on the following national guidance:

• Mental Health Commission: Rules Governing the Use of Physical Restraint

• HSE Policy on the Prevention and Management of Work-Related Aggression and Violence

• HSE Strategy for Managing Work-Related Aggression and Violence

• Multiple Choice Exam

• Practical Assessment

• Successful participants will receive a Prevention and Management of Aggression and Violence (PMAV) Level 1 Certificate

• Certificate is valid for 2 years

• Read more about our Quality Assurance here

What’s the difference between PMAV Level 1 and PMAV Level 2?

Level 1 is the introductory course. It focuses on prevention: spotting early warning signs, communicating well, de-escalating a situation, and using safe disengagement and breakaway techniques if things turn physical. 

Higher-level or advanced PMAV courses go further into physical intervention and safe containment, and are usually aimed at staff whose roles involve more regular exposure to aggression. 

Our PMAV Level 1 (Basic) course is the right starting point for most staff in healthcare, residential, community, education and public-facing roles. If your employer requires a more advanced course, check their policy before booking.

Does the course include physical techniques?

Yes, some. The course puts prevention and de-escalation first. The practical element covers safe disengagement and non-harmful breakaway techniques. It doesn’t teach restraint, in line with restraint reduction guidelines.

Is the course based on HSE guidance?

Yes. It’s fully in line with HSE guidance and uses the HSE and Mental Health Commission documents listed above.

Price: €100

Duration: Half day: 3 hours

Combine and save time: This course runs on the same day as our People Moving & Handling course, so you can complete both in one trip.

Maximum Group Size: 12 people

Clothing: Please wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes or runners.

Location: Athlone Buccaneers Rugby Club- Lower Deck Training Room, The Bounty, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland N37KOT9

Questions: If you have any questions, please contact: John Bruton 085 8323404 or email info@multiskill.ie