When a patient visits a hospital or other health care facilities, the only thing they should be concerned about is their health. Issues like staff, electricity, services, and security should be the least of their concerns. While you might think that security is crucial in other commercial areas like offices, malls, banks, the truth is that hospitals also face security emergencies like other businesses.
According to statistics, more than 10,000 hospital employees have faced violent incidents. It is the psychiatric units and emergency departments that face the most threats and acts of violence. Patient visitor protection and safety are important for all hospitals; this is why these facilities are under constant pressure to tighten their security measures.
Why are Hospitals Targeted?
Like places that get the most foot traffic, such as malls, schools, banks, and sports grounds, hospitals, too, are soft targets. These facilities typically have several entry/exit points along with limited security, making them vulnerable to various security issues.
Hospital Chaos and Violence
Some examples of hospital crimes are
- Newborn baby abduction
- A mentally unstable person causing harm to those around them
- Prisoner patient managing to break free
Although these are some of the worst-case situations, it’s important to take the necessary precautions and limit the risk beforehand. Without a security staff on duty, there would be chaos, panic, and disorder all around, threatening the lives and well-being of many.
Benefits of Hiring Security Guards for Hospitals
1. Reduced Violence
Having a well-trained and experienced security guard on duty means a reduced risk of violence. In case of any violence, you can rest assured that the security guard will handle the situation in a calm and collected manner. This helps maintain the safe atmosphere of the hospital, ensuring that all patients and visitors feel entirely safe.
One fundamental way to ensure maximum effectiveness is to integrate the guards into the hospital’s medical team. They will talk to the concerned party about the problems in a neutral and affirmative tone, preventing any violence from occurring. Simply having a security guard on board gives peace of mind knowing that all violence will be easily controlled.
2. Reduced Costs
Violence is costly. According to a national survey, $429 million was spent by hospitals on medical care and other costs related to resolving violence. This is why in 2017, hospitals spend $1.1 billion to train and hire security guards to prevent violence. Medical equipment can be costly, and during a fight or criminal activity, all of this can be damaged within seconds, giving the hospital a heavy bill to pay. This is why it’s important to focus on precautions rather than cure and prevent violence from occurring in the first place. If any patient is harmed during any acts of violence, the hospital and staff are usually held responsible. To mitigate this risk, security guards are needed at all high-traffic spots to ensure smooth operations.
3. Improved Efficiency
Integrating a security system helps centralize all operations. Your staff will be able to focus on other pressing matters knowing that any acts of violence, theft or unauthorized entry will be looked after by the security team. This doesn’t only help patients’ recovery time but also boosts the name and reputation of the hospital. People will know that the doctors provide their undivided attention to the patients in a safe and secure place.
Security guards will inform the medical staff if they suspect any strange behavior to alert everyone, reducing the risk of unexpected situations. The staff can then help reassure and help patients and family members calm down so that the security guards can resolve the matter as quickly as possible without causing an uproar.
4. Access Control
Since hospitals have multiple access points, you never know who’s entering and exiting the vicinity. Although security cameras might already be installed, integration security guards can help improve control, ensuring all unauthorized visitors remain out. Hospitals have several restricted and private areas such as research rooms, record areas, and medication halls. There can be a time when all of this private and sensitive information and medication can be stolen, inviting serious trouble. Having security guards at all entrances will help filter who can enter these areas.
Another great way to improve control is by providing visitor badges. This means that the person has provided their ID number at registration, and in case of any incident, they can be tracked down immediately. Some hospitals even invest in expiring badges. These are designed to change their color overnight, so that badge cannot be reused. The next day the badge will have a “VOID” sign, which is when security personnel or staff can question them about their entry.
Hiring The Right Security Guard Service
Security guards are the first line of defense for every hospital. When hiring a security guard service, it’s important to choose a reliable and trusted company. Professional guards are trained and experienced to help prevent and overcome any unwanted threats or dangers to patients, visitors, and staff.
Looking for customized security solutions for your company? Get in touch with us. We’re a professional company managed by experts who provide commercial security to business owners in Orlando, Florida. We offer a range of services, including residential security services, concierge services, hospitality, and hotel security services, construction site security, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive services.
