There is little consensus regarding the content or teaching methodology, of training for frontline personnel in the management of aggression within mental health. The fidelity of translation of classroom teaching to practice is uncertain, as is the effectiveness of the training in improving safety of all concerned.This paper will describe the development and practice of a collaboration of trainers, researchers, and educators from Denmark, Netherland and Ireland in a pragmatic action research study. The collaboration will develop a shared model of best practice interventions in the ‘first five minutes’ of a potential crisis, which will emphasize psychological and physical safety, and minimize risk for staff and patientsThis international co-creation of theoretically underpinned training will advance the state of knowledge, and enhance the practice effectiveness of engagement during the opening ‘first five minutes’ of a potentially difficult encounters in everyday practice. The workshop will include proposed evaluation strategies.