Emergency Preparedness  Disasters can Paralyze a Facility and Block Critical Resources  Hospitals Face Many Types of Disaster…

What Is NIMS? (National Incident Management System) A federally mandated system for emergency and disaster situations Implements a ICS (Incident Command System)  Organizational Core for Emergency Response Plan  Standardized Job Descriptions & Checklists and Supporting Forms  Common Language

Five Major Management Functions

Each assignment has a defined written role. Best if person assigned to a role has some familiarity to the role, but instructions are explicit enough that anyone can function in any role. One person may assume multiple roles depending on situation and available staff.

For any type of situation/disaster that could compromise the function of the facility such as:  Major Weather events  Major trauma events (Code Yellow; Code Orange) When should NIMS be implemented?

What is your Responsibility? Familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of all facilities where you have clinical experience. Mistakes can be made when agencies fail to follow the plan. Your resource person during an emergency situation will be your faculty/instructor. Always wear your ID badge.

PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE IN THE WORK PLACE

Each week in the United States - an average of 20 workers are murdered at their jobs and 18,000 are assaulted.* *National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Homicide is the second leading cause of occupational injury and death in the United States.* *National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Employees need and deserve a secure and safe work environment.

OSHA Rules In 1970, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) mandated that employers must assure a safe and healthful working area for every man and woman.

A Workplace Violence Prevention Program can help keep the workplace safe. Program contains the following information: » risk factors » how to prevent violence; » what to do if someone becomes violent; and, » incident follow-up.

RISK FACTORS Situations that may lead to assaults/violence in the workplace. » long waiting times or long lines » death of a family member » job layoffs » insensitive terminations » job stress » strict/rigid leadership » drug and alcohol abuse

Recognize and Report Risk Factors and High Risk Situations to your supervisor PROMPTLY.

PRE-VIOLENCE Recognize Actions That May Precede Violence Some people behave in a certain way before an act of violence. It is necessary for these actions to be recognized.

 Lateness  Absenteeism  Little interest in personal appearance  Violations of the rules and regulations  “Bullying" behavior  Tense posture  Rapid breathing Actions That May Come Before Violence:

 Extreme or unusual behavior  Aggressive behavior (ready to fight)  Arguing with supervisors  Threats of harm  Bringing a weapon to the workplace

Workplace violence is a growing problem. If you feel anyone is acting in a way that may lead to violence report it to your supervisor or boss right away.

PREVENTION Preventing violence is one way to keep a safe and secure workplace. There are a number of ways to help avoid violence in the workplace.

To Prevent Violence:  Be friendly have respect for everyone  Don’t embarrass anyone  Allow people to verbalize and listen to them  Pleasantly ask the person what they want  Give frequent updates if long waits for customers or patients  Speak calmly and softly  Don’t leave potential weapons within reach, for example syringes or scissors

ACTIONS TO TAKE IF SOMEONE BECOMES VIOLENT  Call the emergency number identified by your organization and report location and type of code  Activate your organization alarm system (panic button, code button etc.)  Stay an arms-length away from the violent person  Stay near an exit so you can escape if you have to  Don’t try to subdue him/her  Keep others away from the immediate area

Follow-up After a Violent Incident It is important to report every potential or actual violent act to your supervisor and follow the proper incident reporting procedure.

Information to include in a violence report:  Who was involved? (names and addresses of all people involved)  Where did the incident take place? (Describe the exact location of the incident)  What exactly happened? (Be objective, accurate, factual and as detailed as possible)  How was the situation resolved or prevented? (Was the problem solved without violence? How was an incident prevented? Did anyone receive injuries?)

If you are involved in a violent incident:  If needed, it is important for you to seek counseling after being involved in a violent situation.  Another suggestion for assistance is joining a Peer Support Group.  Or seek comfort in family and friends

ASSULTS IN THE WORKPLACE It is estimated that 1 million workers are assaulted annually in the workplace in the United States* Most of these assaults occur in service settings such as hospitals, nursing homes and social service agencies. * National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Stop Assaults in the Workplace The best way to stop these assaults is through prevention.