Preventing Violence with Compassionate Security Makes Everyone Feel Better

Hospital Emergency Departments are increasingly serving as overflow centers for patients in need of urgent mental health care. The violence healthcare workers face has grown dramatically. More health systems are adopting compassionate screening systems to add an important layer of security — one that treats patients with dignity and respect while keeping other patients, staff and visitors safe. Ferromagnetic detection systems (FMDS) discreetly detect smaller weapons and other restricted items.

Violence in Healthcare is Increasing

Until recently, violence in healthcare was more prevalent in behavioral health centers. But today, as more behavioral health centers close, Emergency Departments across the nation have taken the overflow of mental health patients. Many patients come in with undiagnosed mental health illness and some turn violent, using weapons and other restricted items. It’s vitally important to protect staff, other patients and visitors.

Entry Points: Where Compassionate Security Begins

Some health systems are hesitant to set up detection screening at all entry points, particularly the front entrance and Emergency Department entrances. The front entrance is where most restricted items are brought in from visitors. Emergency entrances are where walk-in patients bring in a variety of restricted items or accidentally wheeled in with patients on gurneys. The key is to have unobtrusive, compassionate detection systems to identify the restricted items before they enter the facility.

The Best Compassionate Security: Metrasens

Large traditional walk-through metal detectors are difficult to place and off-putting to patients. Metal detector hand wands are equally intrusive and detect far less than Metrasens advanced detection systems.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Recognizing the signals of an impending violent outburst before it happens offers the opportunity for staff teams to intervene much sooner with direct verbal de-escalation.

Warning signs include:

– Raised voice, cursing and sexualized language.
– Pacing or other physical agitation
– Removal of clothing, intravenous lines, bandages/tape, etc.
– Paranoid ideation
– Aggressive use of objects in the environment.

Fast intervention is the key to reducing physical altercations. Verbal de-escalation training is important to help staff learn alternative behavior techniques. Conveying verbal awareness and empathy of patients’ distress without being defensive is effective, as well as the use of medications and restraints.

Compassionate Security is the Key

Given the rising violence in healthcare, providing new layers of protection for staff members, patients and visitors is imperative. Physicians and caregivers should be able to take care of patients without fear of physical and mental aggression. This is best done by using a variety of security measures and ferromagnetic detection systems are the most effective and compassionate.

Metrasens is Redefining Security in Healthcare

Designed with patients in mind, Metrasens advanced detection systems are highly sensitive and precise and can detect a wide range of weapons and other threat items, such as guns, knives, lighters, needles, and razor blades. The small, portable design preserves patient dignity and the therapeutic environment while providing robust, full-body screening that is easy to use by non-security staff.