In the world of breakaway and restraint training, every day brings new faces, challenges, and opportunities to make a real difference.

At BR Specialists (BRS), our trainers don’t just teach techniques – they empower healthcare professionals, care workers and others with the skills and confidence they need to stay safe while serving others.

Here’s a look into the typical day of Jake Attard, one of BRS’s seasoned trainers.

The Dawn of a New Day

Every day begins early, usually around 6:30 AM. And I’m not kidding when I say coffee is my best friend – it’s essential for those long days of mental focus and physical activity. “It’s like liquid gold in the morning,” my teammate Charlie likes to joke. And he’s right; those first moments are sacred. Coffee in hand, I start to prepare for a day that’s going to involve a lot of movement, teaching, and, most importantly, connecting with people. The Team That Trains Together...

Around 7:45 AM, we meet for breakfast – me, Charlie, and Nick. It’s a chance to bond, share a laugh, and plan. Over toast and scrambled eggs, we sort out who’s covering which part of the day. “I’ll lead the safety checks,” Charlie says, ever the organised one. “Jake, you’re on the law session. Nick, you can lead the breakaway demos, yeah?” Nick nods with a grin.

These morning meetings are about more than logistics – it’s a chance to support each other, play to our strengths, and make sure we’re all ready to make the session as engaging as possible.

Setting the Stage

By the time we arrive at the venue, today it’s a university campus, but it could be a healthcare facility or a local suite that we’ve hired out, it’s all hands on deck. Charlie’s off to do safety checks, inspecting fire exits and assessing the training area for hazards. Nick sets up the presentation, and I went to get more coffee for the team. When I get back Nick calls out, “Can you give the projector a quick check?”, and I give a thumbs-up as I make sure the slides are ready. We have to be on point – after all, we’re here to teach both skills and safety.

The Art of Breaking Away

Once the delegates arrive – today, a group of Occupational Therapy students – there’s an excited energy in the room. We get them signed in, go through medical questionnaires, and make sure they’re briefed on the day’s structure. There’s a sense of camaraderie as they settle in, and I love seeing those nervous smiles turn into genuine interest as we kick off.

The training starts with an overview of the law. “Remember,” I explain, “understanding your rights is the foundation of the course, before learning the skillset” I look out at the room and see nods – they’re absorbing it, understanding how what we’re teaching fits into their daily roles. And that’s when you know you’re making a difference.

Practical Skills, Real Confidence

The day is a mix of theory, practice, and (unsurprisingly) coffee breaks. During one break, I chat with a delegate who’s been hesitant about the physical aspects of the skillsets. “I’m not sure I’ll remember all of this,” she says. I reassure her, “Don’t worry. We will provide you with a handout, covering everything that we discuss, and it includes our contact information should you need help with anything. We’re right here to support you.” It’s about making sure they leave feeling capable, safe, and prepared.

When we get to the breakaway demonstrations, that’s when the energy ramps up. Nick’s showing techniques with his usual enthusiasm, saying, “It’s not about strength – it’s about control and keeping yourself safe.” Charlie and I are there to assist, moving around the room to help trainees refine their techniques. It’s inspiring to see them grow from tentative movements to confident, fluid actions. “You’ve got this,” I say to one trainee as she practices a technique, and the smile on her face says it all.

Bringing It All Together

By the end of the session, we recap the techniques covered and open up for questions. “How did it feel?” I ask the group, and one delegate shares, “Honestly, I was nervous at first, but now I feel like I can handle those tough situations.” And that’s the best feedback you can get – knowing they’re leaving more confident and empowered as they step into their workplaces.

The Road to the Next Session

After the session wraps up, we pack up, debrief as a team, and get ready to head to our next destination. Whether it’s a team dinner at 8:30 or a quick bite from the services (healthy options if we can find them!)

“Another great session,” Charlie says as we hit the road, and I can’t help but agree. Every day brings new challenges, but the reward is always the same – knowing we’re helping others stay safe while they care for others.

More Than Just Techniques

Being a BRS trainer isn’t just about teaching skills – it’s about understanding the human element. It’s about equipping people with the confidence to manage tough situations and treating everyone with respect and care, from healthcare professionals to the patients/clients they support. And it’s a privilege to be a part of that journey.

So, that's a day in my life – and trust me, there’s always more coffee involved.