Gentle Solutions Training empowers healthcare teams with proven de-escalation, awareness, and safety techniques—built by medical professionals, tested in real-world environments.
Gentle Solutions Training empowers healthcare teams with proven de-escalation, awareness, and safety techniques—built by medical professionals, tested in real-world environments.
Level 1 introduces core safety and awareness skills for managing tense situations calmly.
Level 2 expands on advanced de-escalation, communication, and controlled response methods.
Level 1 Instructor Training prepares leaders to teach, assess, and certify others with confidence.
Level 2 Instructor Training builds on prior certification to teach advanced tactics and mentor new trainers.
Gentle Solutions delivers evidence-based, hands-on training that protects healthcare workers and strengthens workplace safety. Our program is designed by medical professionals who understand the challenges you face every day.
Every technique is developed by experienced nurses, paramedics, and instructors who have worked on the front lines.
Participants don’t just learn theory—they practice real-life scenarios to build confidence under pressure.
Level 1 introduces core safety and awareness skills for managing tense situations calmly.
Level 2 expands on advanced de-escalation, communication, and controlled response methods.
Level 1 Instructor Training prepares leaders to teach, assess, and certify others with confidence.
Level 2 Instructor Training builds on prior certification to teach advanced tactics and mentor new trainers.
Organizations responsible for the safety of their people choose Gentle Solutions Training because our methods work in the real world. Trusted by The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and The University of Alabama at Huntsville, our programs combine medical expertise, hands-on instruction, and evidence-based techniques to help professionals confidently manage conflict, reduce risk, and protect both staff and those they serve.
Complete Gentle Solutions Level 1 and Level 2 training to earn a nationally recognized certificate in workplace violence prevention.
Each level of training builds practical confidence with proven techniques you can apply immediately in your workplace.
Hello, I am Matt Blankensopp
I am a dual-certified paramedic and registered nurse with over a decade of experience in critical care and emergency medicine. As a paramedic, I have worked in some of the country's most dangerous cities, to include coverage in maximum security prisons. I won the Nightingale Award in the mobility program to become dual certified. I have worked in every type of intensive care unit as a critical care float pool RN. I have also worked in three different emergency departments and I have experience from hospital rapid response teams. I have been everywhere both in prehospital and in hospital settings; I have seen what you will need to be prepared for firsthand. I have black belts in three styles of martial arts and have been a certified martial arts and self-defense instructor since 2009.
Over the years I have seen the abuse of EMS and nursing staff to the point where I cannot take it anymore! So in response, I have teamed up with two other experts to create a comprehensive, adaptable, and easy to learn program which works for people of all sizes and fitness levels. These programs work off of simple core concepts which build upon each other and safety protocols to keep you and your patients out of harm's way!
Daniel O’Brien is a world-renowned expert in self-defense tactics who cares deeply for the troubles that the healthcare community faces. He brings over twenty years of martial arts and teaching experience to the team. He holds a fourth degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a fourth degree black belt in Shotokan, and a black belt in Judo. As the highest decorated grappling competitor in Alabama, Daniel is internationally recognized for his adaptive “gentle” grappling method, which he teaches annually to special responders overseas. He also serves as the technical liaison for Alabama law enforcement’s SSGT defensive tactics program.
Chris Thrasher is a SWAT medic, SWAT instructor, police officer, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, and certified SSGT instructor. He too, has worked as a first responder in one of the most dangerous cities in the country, both as a police officer and as a paramedic. He was awarded the Police Star and The Medal of Heroism for his exemplary service. Chris, while working in dangerous, volatile situations became very well versed at de-escalation and how to recognize aggression early on. This experience is critical to defusing situations and avoiding danger before it occurs. He brings a wealth of knowledge to this team. He holds a depth of experience training law enforcement on de-escalation and defensive tactics. Chris brings a grounded mindset in realism; delivering practical, effective techniques that work under pressure.
Together we have worked tirelessly to create gentle and adaptable solutions to the situations you or your staff may one day face, as well as solutions to high-risk scenarios such as restraint application and how to safely hold a volatile patient for IM medication administration. We provide practical and effective non-violent solutions to violent situations.
Between the three of us, we have a unique combination of practical knowledge and experience that you will not find anywhere else. We truly care about healthcare workers and their patients. That is why we want our knowledge and expertise to become YOURS! Let us help you stay safe!
Your friend,
- Matt Blankensopp NREMT-P, RN, BSN, CCRN, TCRN, CEN
Gentle Solutions Training Co-Founder
Join thousands of healthcare professionals who have completed Gentle Solutions Training to strengthen safety, awareness, and confidence in their workplace.
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