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Define security’s role in emergency situations

Healthcare Security Weekly, March 21, 2005

There is usually a significant expectation of the role security plays during emergency situations. Some institutions don't clearly articulate these expectations to security personnel. During emergency situations, all security personnel must know and understand the specific expectations and assignments given to their group.

Here are some of the primary duties assigned to security personnel during emergency situations:

* Access control (campus, building, and specific areas as necessary)

* Emergency lockdown (either total or limited access)

* Assist in preparation for victims, families, media, and patients (set-up signage, open rooms, etc.)

* Prepare an incident command center (unlock doors, prepare phones, set-up room)

* Assist with communications and notification procedures (via phone or two-way radios)

* Consider crime scene preservation methodologies/techniques (identify and maintain custody of evidence as appropriate)

* Initiate the security call-back list (consider both temporary and long-term staffing situations)

* Assist with the placement of temporary security personnel (who distribute vests, hats, or arm bands to personnel along with post-orders)

* Other duties as assigned (without neglecting core competencies)

You can find this tip and others in the HCPro publication, Security Planning for Terrorism. For more information about this book or to order, call our customer service department at 800/650-6787 or click here.

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