Blog

Keeping security at its highest during the holidays

Security teams need to be extra vigilant during the holiday season as there will likely be an increase in patients entering the facility

By Ken Bukowski/ Special to Healthcare Facilities Today


The holidays can be a hectic time for all individuals, especially at healthcare facilities. Unfortunately, hospitals see an increase in cases of attempted suicide, committal patients, and accidents and injuries related to the holidays. Security teams need to be extra vigilant during the holiday season as there will likely be an increase in patients entering the facility.

Studies in Europe have shown attempted suicides may actually increase shortly after some winter holidays possibly because of depression. The study has not been replicated in the United States, but hospital staff and security should work together to prevent an incident from happening. Suicidal patients should be treated initially in a secure, safe, and highly supervised care area where security officers and hospital staff are specifically trained to handle this type of situation. 

Committal patients, non-voluntary psychiatric patients due to illness or drug use, also need to have special security and safety as they are typically not allowed to leave the hospital. Security is usually called on to watch individuals and make sure they don’t leave the area. It is important that security officers are trained in conjunction with hospital staff.

Identification and medication theft can also increase during the holidays. It is important that security is aware, and on the lookout for these situations. Security teams need to be conscious of who is entering pharmaceutical areas, checking identification badges at all times and closely monitoring restricted access areas. Hospital staff also need to observant and report suspicious activity.

Lastly, the emergency department can be a not-so-jolly area around the holidays. Many individuals wait until the last minute to make a visit to the ED due to traveling or family gatherings. Heart-related deaths increase by five percent during the holiday season and fatal heart attacks peak on Christmas, the day after Christmas, and New Year’s Day, according to a national Circulation study published in 2004. Security teams should be at the ready to manage crowds and anticipate stressful situations.

Bukowski is the vice president of healthcare, AlliedBarton Security Services.

 



November 13, 2014


Topic Area: Blogs


Recent Posts

Designing for Access: Addressing Pharmacy Deserts with Flexible Solutions

Design is an increasingly important consideration for closing the gap in pharmaceutical access.


Baylor Scott & White Health Set to Open New Texas Medical CenterĀ 

The new 40-acre campus will offer communal green spaces, more than two miles of trails, health and wellness events and activities for everyone to enjoy.


The Future of Backup Power Systems in Healthcare Facilities

Manufacturers discuss what trends are shaping the future of backup power systems in healthcare.


Infection Control is Key to Ongoing Measles Outbreak

Infection control is essential to protecting both patients and staff from contracting measles.


Kaiser Permanente to Open New Parker Medical Offices

It also announced it's in the early stages of planning a rebuild and expansion of its Westminster Medical Offices.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.