What should staff avoid doing when a person is at the acting out level?

When a person is at the acting out level, it is crucial for staff to maintain a safe environment and de-escalate the situation effectively. Engaging in physical confrontation or aggressive actions is detrimental to both the individual and staff. This approach can escalate aggression, potentially resulting in harm to the individual, other patrons, or the staff members themselves.

By avoiding physical confrontation, staff uphold the principles of crisis intervention, which emphasize safety, empathy, and de-escalation techniques. Effective strategies include using verbal redirection or attempting to calm the individual through empathetic communication and providing a safe environment for emotional expression. These alternatives foster a more constructive interaction that prioritizes the individual's well-being and promotes de-escalation.