Stay Safe, Stay Ready, Be Prepared: A Personal Message to Healthcare Security Professionals

Every day I step into work, I remind myself that safety is never guaranteed. In this job, things can change in an instant. As healthcare security professionals, we know your role goes beyond just standing guard. We are here to protect vulnerable people, patients, staff, and visitors, and sometimes that means protecting ourselves too.

When you are in the middle of a crisis, you do not have time to wonder what might happen next. You need to be ready. One of the most dangerous situations we can face is a ground attack. Whether it is a takedown, or a person armed with a weapon, knowing how to protect yourself is critical. It is not just about strength or reflexes; it is about preparation.

Why Our Role Matters

In healthcare, we’re often the first line of defense. We are the ones who see the warning signs of escalating behavior and take action to keep the peace. Many times, we can manage those situations with a steady presence and our words. But there are moments when words are not enough, and things take a physical turn.

Those moments require more than bravery; they demand training, instinct, and control. We must be confident in our ability to respond without hesitation—not just for our safety but for the safety of everyone around us.

Ground Assaults: The Real Test

When we think of physical confrontations, we picture standing face to face. But the reality is far less predictable. Sometimes, the situation moves fast, and we find ourselves on the ground, in a confined space, or dealing with someone stronger and more aggressive than we anticipated.

It is in those moments the simplest, and most practical skills matter the most. Complex techniques are easy to forget under stress, but basic, instinctive responses stay with you. That is why I focus on keeping things simple, versatile, and built on natural movements.

Key Skills Every Professional Should Build

In each class, I am asked,” What is the BEST technique for,” this answer is simple. It is the BEST technique because you can remember it under stress! Here is what I have learned over the years about what makes training effective and lifesaving:

• Simplicity is Key – When stress hits, your brain does not have time for complicated moves. You need techniques that are easy to learn and remember. Simple steps can make all the difference.
• Adaptability Matters – Emergencies do not always happen the same way you learned it inside the classroom. You might be standing, sitting, or flat on your back. You need skills that work no matter the position or environment—whether it is a crowded hallway or a tight exam room.
• Instinctive Responses Save Lives – The best training helps you build automatic reactions. When something happens, you do not have time to think; you need to move instinctively and confidently.

Part of a Bigger Picture

Ground defense is only one piece of the puzzle. Staying safe requires a full set of skills. For me, that means understanding how to prevent situations from escalating in the first place. It also means having physical alternatives when things do get out of hand.

Non-escalation and de-escalation are where we always begin—using verbal skills to manage a situation before it turns physical. But when that does not work, we must be ready with physical tactics that protect us without causing unnecessary harm. Other essential tools in our safety toolbox include empty hand control techniques, chemical aerosols, impact weapons, electrical immobilization devices, and weapon control techniques. Every skill connects, giving us the confidence to manage a wide range of challenges.

Your Safety is Non-Negotiable

Here is the truth: You can never predict the experience or skill level of the person with whom you are dealing. In every physical encounter, the unknown is the greatest risk. That is why preparation is everything. Your safety, the safety of your coworkers, and the well-being of the people in your care depend on your ability to act decisively.

We do not train because we are looking for trouble, we train because we know it might find us. Being ready is not just a professional responsibility; it is a personal commitment to ourselves and to those who trust us to protect them.

Stay Safe, Stay Ready, Be Prepared

In this field, being unprepared is not an option. We are the protectors, the problem-solvers, the ones people turn to in moments of crisis. Whether it is using our presence or words to de-escalate or stepping in physically to protect someone from harm, our training prepares us to respond with confidence and control.

Remember, our job is to keep everyone safe. “Verbally if we can, physically if we must.” And never stop learning.

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