Trauma-Informed Care can Reduce Healthcare Violence

Updated on May 4, 2024.

For several decades, GardaWorld Security has been providing customized security services for the healthcare industry. Lately, the industry is seeing a surge in crime and violence. However, we know that the closer the communications between caregivers and security, the greater the chances that we will be able to prevent an incident before it happens.

One of the most fascinating fields of research, for both healthcare and security, has been the study of trauma. Why does so much of the violence in our system occur in the care, treatment, and security of trauma victims? To find answers, we need to know more about trauma itself. Who are trauma patients, how can they be cared for, and how can we make them feel safe? 

People can experience triggers to trauma in all environments, according to Nivethan Placidass, Director of Client Development for Protective Services and healthcare security specialist, GardaWorld Security – Canada. While commonly viewed as an involuntary response to an incident that occurred during childhood, traumatic events can impact an individual at any age. We saw this on a global scale during the attack of the World Trade Center in 2001.

Mr. Placidass explain further, “While many people who have suffered trauma do not demonstrate regular symptoms, their daily routines have been altered to reduce the risk of exposure causing a trigger. It is important to recognize that generational challenges have caused groups of people to feel fear, have strained relationships and a loss of trust in social structures.”

How has the healthcare industry adapted to meet the needs of trauma victims?

The healthcare industry has responded to the problem with Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). Through this program, caregivers learn about the effects of trauma, and how to create programs, spaces, and policies that place priority on trauma survivors' safety, choice, and control.

“A core principal of Trauma-Informed Care is to insure policies and practices reflect a welcoming and engaged environment to prevent re-traumatizing patients, staff or families.”

Nivethan Placidass, Director of Client Development for Protective Services and healthcare security specialist, GardaWorld Security – Canada.

Mr. Placidass explain further, “While many people who have suffered trauma do not demonstrate regular symptoms, their daily routines have been altered to reduce the risk of exposure causing a trigger. It is important to recognize that generational challenges have caused groups of people to feel fear, have strained relationships and a loss of trust in social structures.”

Healthcare security and trauma-informed care: communication and cooperation

Both caregivers and security professionals must acknowledge that a patient may be a trauma survivor. As a trauma survivor, interactions or the presence of security personnel may affect the patient’s actions, increasing the chance of aggressive or violent behavior.

The goal of every health and security professional dealing with the care and safety of trauma patients is to eliminate “triggers” in the workplace environment. This is far easier said than done.

• Trauma triggers can be anything that reminds a victim of their past trauma. It could be a certain smell, a particular song or sound, or a piece of clothing 
• Triggers are unique to the individual. Chances are, two people who experience a similar traumatic event won’t share triggers or have the same symptoms afterward
• When someone encounters a trigger after trauma, a strong emotional and behavioral reaction comes over them. It’s as if they are reliving that trauma all over again 
• For people who have experienced trauma, triggers can be terrifying, all-consuming, and can seemingly come out of nowhere

Many things in a hospital can be triggering. This can include security personnel. Often trauma victims are from marginalized portions of society and may have already had a history of poor experiences with law enforcement and authority. Security may represent law enforcement to many of them.

For that reason, GardaWorld Security healthcare security guards are alert for any triggers that may affect an interaction. Frontline security staff are often included in Trauma-Informed Care training. According to Mr. Placidass, “As a leader in healthcare security, GardaWorld Security works in partnership with organizations to ensure healthcare security teams are cognizant of these triggers. Our staff are trained to be mindful of these triggers. Approaching all cases with empathy while also prioritizing the protection of all members of the community.”

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