100 Years of Proven Safety & Effectiveness
Gracie Medical Defense (GMD) is a complete workplace violence prevention program built on principles of personal safety and non-violent effectiveness that have been developed and refined over three generations in the Gracie Family. GMD teaches situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, and physical de-escalation for the most common threat in healthcare, all while prioritizing patient safety.
Watch this video to learn more…
Verbal De-Escalation
In a moment of crisis, GMD users are taught to use verbal de-escalation and other methods of non-physical intervention to reduce the intensity of the conflict.
Verbal De-Escalation
Create calm through all forms of communication; verbal, nonverbal, and paraverbal. Ask open-ended questions, listen with empathy, and paraphrase what they are saying back to them.
+ Redirection
In addition to verbal de-escalation, consider using redirection to set limits on the interaction to facilitate peaceful resolution. Propose resolutions to give you time and space to seek assistance.
+ Distance
Create distance to help deter and/or delay a physical attack. Use verbal de-escalation and redirection strategies while continuing to increase distance. Seek assistance as soon as possible.
+ Boundaries
In addition to distance, utilize the “Safe Stance” and set a clear, concise, and confidently delivered verbal boundary. Consider adding empathy and consequences to the boundary if necessary and appropriate.
+ Physical De-Escalation
If a staff member is physically attacked, and creating distance is not possible, the GMD Physical De-Escalation skills are designed to neutralize the attack and reduce the intensity of the encounter until help arrives or safe escape is possible – all while prioritizing patient safety.
UCI Health Case Study
University of California Irvine Health surveyed its staff before and after GMD training. The results were astounding.
EFFECTIVENESS
Do you feel adequately prepared to deal with realistic threats from physically aggressive patients?
SELF-CONFIDENCE
How would you rate your ability to deal with physical assaults at work?
ASSAULT HISTORY
65% of surveyed clinicians had been assaulted by a patient.
100%
of Survey Respondents indicated the following:
"I believe both patients and staff would be safer with GMD-trained staff."
"I feel much more prepared to deal with current levels of aggression and violence."
"I believe SafeWrap helps restrain patients safely and effectively."
"I believe regular GMD training improves morale and teamwork."
Physical De-Escalation
If a staff member is physically attacked, and creating distance is not possible, the GMD physical de-escalation skills are designed to neutralize the attack and de-escalate the situation until help arrives or safe escape is possible – all while prioritizing patient safety.
Standing Defenses
Bedside Defenses
Ground Defenses
Emergency Interventions
Safety First
Staff will learn simple, effective methods to address the most common healthcare assaults non-violently.
Bedside attacks pose unique challenges (punches, kicks, grabs), but GMD teaches staff how to handle them safely and with care.
If a staff member falls during an assault, GMD trains them with vital skills to minimize injury, de-escalate the threat, and stay in control until help comes or escape is possible.
If a colleague is being attacked, GMD will train staff on how to intervene quickly, safely and effectively.
GMD prioritizes patient safety by avoiding strikes, joint locks, and choke holds, for the lowest injury risk for all involved.
Improved Teamwork
When all staff are certified in the SafeWrap system, communication and teamwork are optimized.
Fewer Injuries
SafeWrap uses no joint locks, no chokes, and no strikes, minimizing the chance of injury to all involved.
Enhanced Control
Simultaneous upper and lower body control help the ensure maximum control of the patient.
Dynamic De-Escalation
Staff members can see the patient's face which assists with de-escalation and medical monitoring.
Revolutionary Restraint
Gracie Medical Defense also includes SafeWrap™, a proprietary method of 2-on-1 physical restraint specifically designed to minimize the risk of injury to staff members and patients alike. Once all members of an organization learn this system, they will be best equipped to handle a crisis with optimal communication, composure, and care.
Watch the video to see how SafeWrap is improving outcomes across a wide range of public and private sector organizations.
Out With The Old
Clinicians are tired of learning personal safety skills that are ineffective and unsafe. With Gracie Medical Defense, staff members are instantly captivated by the simplicity and effectiveness of the techniques.
Click the play button to witness the excitement and gratitude from UCI Health clinicians after a single 4-hour GMD training session!
The Triangle of Success
A successful workplace violence prevention program must be optimized in three key areas—any weakness risks the entire program.
The techniques and safety principles must be effective; otherwise staff members and patients will continue to sustain serious injuries.
GMD is the only curriculum comprised of techniques and safety principles that have been tested and proven effective over 100 years.
Instructors must be highly effective and inspiring presenters. If they aren’t, staff members will lack the motivation to learn and retain the material.
GMD is the only organization with the experience and expertise to certify inspiring and effective instructors across various fields for over three generations.
Staff members must be provided with 24/7 access to simple, effective continuing education material. Without it, they will forget the skills when they need them most.
GMD is the only system that provides every staff member with high-quality video resources, allowing them to take an active role in their own safety.
Instructor Certification
Upon successful completion of the instructor certification program, you will be ready to empower other members within your organization with the verbal and physical de-escalation skills to protect themselves while also prioritizing patient safety.
Torrance, California
May 19-23, 2025
Get certified to teach Gracie Medical Defense™ and SafeWrap™ by completing the 5-day instructor course.
- Length: 5 Days (40 Hours)
- Certifications: GMD + SafeWrap™
Benefits
With GMD certified instructors at your organization, your staff will have access to these benefits:
GMD + SafeWrap License
Once certified, organizations may obtain a license to use GMD and SafeWrap systems for staff training.
Online Video Access
Staff members get access to online videos covering all verbal and physical de-escalation skills.
Legal Support
Gracie University will provide expert witness support to certified staff if litigation arises over the use of GMD techniques.
GMD Handbook
Certified staff will receive a digital copy of the GMD De-Escalation & Safety Handbook.
Certification Card
Certified staff will receive a personalized card after finishing hands-on training.
Got Questions?
We specialize in creating tailored safety solutions for healthcare institutions. Click the button to tell us a little more about you and your organization, and we’ll reach out within 24 hours to discuss your safety needs.