Last updated: July 2026
What Are The Main Differences Between Wave Training vs ADP Framework?
Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training and Resolution Education’s ADP Framework are both structured approaches to occupational violence and aggression (OVA) prevention used in Australian workplaces, particularly hospitals. Wave Training moves staff through three progressive stages — Wave 1 (Awareness), Wave 2 (De-escalation) and Wave 3 (Protection) — while the ADP framework covers the same three pillars (Awareness, De-escalation, Protection) in a single, more flexible system that Resolution Education customises to an organisation’s existing terminology, incident data and site-specific risks.
In short:
- Same three pillars: both frameworks are built around Awareness, De-escalation and Protection.
- Key difference: Wave Training runs the three stages as sequential “waves”; ADP integrates them into one flexible system.
- Best for: organisations that already use Wave terminology and want it mapped onto a customisable training framework.
Table of Contents
- The Main Differences Between Wave Training vs ADP Framework
- Who This Is For
- Wave 1: Building Awareness
- Wave 2: Developing De-escalation Strategies
- Wave 3: Protecting Individuals and Learning Safe Restraint Techniques
- How Do Both Frameworks Uphold Legal Requirements and Best Practices?
- Common Misconceptions
- How Does Resolution Education Customise Training?
- Glossary of Terms
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related-Articles
Who Is This Comparison For?
This article is for HR, WHS and training managers in hospitals or other high-risk workplaces who already run — or are considering — Wave 1, 2, 3 Training and want to understand how it compares with Resolution Education’s ADP framework.
It may not apply if your organisation has no existing exposure to Wave-style training and is simply looking for a general introduction to OVA training; in that case, our ADP Framework page is a better starting point.
Wave Training & Customisation at Resolution Education
Building a strong foundation and cultivating the confidence required to effectively manage incidents is crucial to ensuring organisational safety. Comprehensive training frameworks can help bring structure to an organisation, and one framework employed by a number of hospitals in Australia is Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training which focuses on de-escalation techniques and occupational violence and aggression (OVA) prevention. This training framework follows a similar process to our renowned ADP framework.
Both Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training and the ADP framework offer an effective approach to addressing challenging situations in the workplace and ensuring a safe work environment. This blog post aims to shed light on both training methods so that employers may better understand their significance in the healthcare industry. Furthermore, this blog post provides insight into the level of customisation we offer at Resolution Education when creating a training framework that is right for your organisation.
Wave 1: Building Awareness
Much like the Awareness stage of our ADP framework, Wave 1 of Wave Training focuses on fostering situational awareness. This training module equips employees with the knowledge and skills to identify potential triggers, recognise instincts, assess the environment, and understand the power of emotions. By developing a heightened sense of awareness, healthcare workers can proactively address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment for all.
Wave 2: Developing De-escalation Strategies
Parallel to the De-escalation module of our ADP framework, Wave 2 of Wave Training emphasises the defusing of tense situations. In this phase, healthcare professionals undergo comprehensive training to acquire effective de-escalation techniques, master communication strategies, grasp the significance of mental health factors, and learn safe procedures for removing themselves from potentially harmful situations. By employing these de-escalation strategies, healthcare workers can minimise the risk of workplace violence and aggression and maintain a secure workplace environment.
Wave 3: Protecting Individuals and Learning Safe Restraint Techniques
Wave 3 of Wave Training, similar to the Protection and Restraint modules of our ADP training, focuses on the physical aspect of ensuring safety. This module provides training on non-punitive breakaways, grabs, stances, and techniques to protect oneself and any others involved. Additionally, this section can delve into the roles required during restraint or Code Black situations. By understanding and practising these techniques, healthcare professionals can respond effectively in critical moments, all whilst adhering to legal requirements and safeguarding the well-being of those involved.
How Do Both Frameworks Uphold Legal Requirements and Best Practices?
Both Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training and our ADP framework share a common goal: to provide the best possible care in the least restrictive environment while minimising any interference with patients’ rights, dignity, and self-respect. This involves adhering to all legal and state requirements, and ensuring that all techniques taught are non-punitive and safe.
Common Misconceptions About Wave Training and ADP
- “Switching to ADP means abandoning Wave terminology”: Resolution Education’s consultation process is designed to map ADP content onto an organisation’s existing Wave terms rather than replace them outright, as described above.
- “Wave 1, 2 and 3 are separate, unrelated training days”: as set out above, the three waves follow the same progression — awareness, then de-escalation, then protection — as the ADP framework’s three modules.
- “Protection training always involves physical restraint”: both frameworks prioritise removing yourself from a physical situation as quickly as possible, with restraint techniques reserved for specialist industries only, as noted above.
How Does Resolution Education Customise Training?
At Resolution Education, we understand that many organisations have policies, procedures, and training frameworks already in place, such as Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training. Therefore, before conducting training, we prioritise a comprehensive meeting to collaboratively structure the training. During this meeting, we delve into the organisation’s unique context, unpacking any incidents that have occurred, and gaining a thorough understanding of its specific needs and existing foundations.
Our primary objective during this consultation phase is to align our training program seamlessly with the organisation’s requirements. We aim to familiarise ourselves with any specific terms, modules and concepts used by the organisation, such as Wave 1, 2 and 3. This process often involves exploring similarities between the organisation’s existing framework and our own ADP framework. By identifying common ground, we can integrate our training modules and concepts into the existing framework, ensuring a cohesive and tailored approach that resonates within the organisation’s unique environment.
We believe that effective training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we work closely to build a strong partnership with each organisation to understand their strengths, challenges, and specific goals, creating a customised training experience that delivers tangible results and promotes a safe and supportive work environment.
Conclusion
Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training offers a unique perspective on addressing workplace challenges within hospitals. By incorporating situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and skills to protect, Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training equips healthcare professionals with a robust toolkit to mitigate risks, prevent violence, and ensure the well-being of patients and staff.
Embracing similar principles around safety, the ADP and Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training frameworks empower healthcare professionals to handle difficult situations confidently and make positive impacts on patient care and workplace safety.
Our Expert Opinion: When a hospital comes to us already running Wave/Tier training, we would ask them to show us what is working well — the terminology their staff use, the incidents they’ve had, the gaps they’ve identified — and then we map our ADP framework around that. In our experience, the structure of Wave/Tier 1, 2 and 3 is sound. What organisations usually need isn’t a different framework — it’s a training provider who will take the time to understand their environment before walking into the room.
If you are interested in learning more about how Resolution Education can customise training to meet your specific organisational needs, reach out today. We would be more than happy to unpack your challenges and find solutions that resonate with your organisation.
Resolution Education delivers this training across Australia, including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Parramatta, Adelaide and Perth — contact our team to discuss your organisation’s Wave or ADP training needs.
Glossary of Terms
- ADP Framework: Resolution Education’s training framework, comprised of three modules — Awareness, De-escalation and Protection — that is customisable to an organisation’s industry and existing procedures.
- Wave 1, 2, 3 Training: a three-stage training framework used by a number of Australian hospitals, moving staff through Awareness (Wave 1), De-escalation (Wave 2) and Protection (Wave 3).
- OVA (Occupational Violence and Aggression): also referred to as work-related violence and aggression, OVA covers incidents in which a worker is abused, threatened or assaulted in a situation related to their work. Source: Safe Work Australia
- Code Black: the term used in many Australian healthcare settings for the emergency response to a personal threat or violent incident, referenced in the Protection stage of both frameworks.
- Non-punitive breakaway/restraint techniques: physical techniques designed to help a worker safely disengage from, or manage, a physical incident without causing injury to themselves or the other person.
Key Takeaways
- Wave 1, 2 and 3 Training and the ADP framework share the same three pillars: Awareness, De-escalation and Protection.
- Wave Training delivers these as three progressive stages; ADP integrates them into one customisable system.
- Resolution Education runs a pre-training consultation to map ADP content onto an organisation’s existing Wave terminology and procedures.
- Both frameworks prioritise the least restrictive response first, with restraint techniques reserved for specialist industries only.
- ADP training can be delivered through flexible formats, including eLearning or in-house training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Wave training different from the ADP framework?
Wave training uses Wave 1 for basic awareness, Wave 2 for de-escalation strategies, and Wave 3 for advanced physical interventions, building progressively. The ADP framework covers similar ground through Awareness, De-escalation, and Protection modules but integrates them more flexibly for customisation across all levels in a single cohesive system.
What customisation options make ADP a stronger alternative to Wave 1, 2, 3 training?
Resolution Education adapts ADP content using an organisation’s incident data, procedures, and environment, creating relevant scenarios for any role or site. Wave training offers standard modules, but ADP’s pre-training consultation ensures every element matches the specific challenges of healthcare or other high-risk settings.
Can ADP training replace an existing Wave program?
Yes, ADP’s De-escalation module directly parallels Wave 2 by teaching communication, mental health awareness, and safe disengagement tailored to real workplace triggers. It enhances these with ADP’s broader framework, making transition seamless while adding scalability for ongoing refreshers.
What benefits does ADP offer for organisations using Wave training across multiple sites?
ADP scales easily with consistent core modules adaptable to local risks, ensuring uniform responses whether in urban hospitals or regional clinics. Wave’s structured waves may vary by site completion rates, but ADP maintains organisational-wide alignment through flexible formats like eLearning or in-house.
Why is ADP better suited for non-healthcare sectors transitioning from Wave-style programs?
ADP customises for any industry, from education to retail, using the same three pillars without healthcare-specific assumptions in Wave training. This makes it ideal for diverse workforces needing OVA prevention that fits their unique aggression patterns and policies.
How can organisations measure ADP’s effectiveness against Wave training outcomes?
Track reductions in incidents, staff confidence surveys, and consistent boundary enforcement post-ADP, comparing to Wave metrics like escalation rates between waves. ADP’s integrated approach often shows faster skill retention and fewer escalations due to its holistic design.