H.I.T. Self Defense

I’ve decided to create a three-part workplace violence prevention string: part two involves violence prevention tips for ‘HealthCare Providers’. First things first: 45% of all workplace violence assaults are committed by healthcare patients. To all of the health care providers out there… I understand that your first priority is to help the patient. But what happens when the patient puts your life in danger? What do you do when a patient begins to show signs of pre-assault behavior? Might I suggest that you prepare yourself to counter an attack with a ‘reasonable response’. What do I mean by this? Escape and evasion techniques in low-probability-of-injury situations (e.g. breaking basic grabs) - in this case, we don’t want to harm the patient, maybe they’re in a temporary delusional state (e.g. accident, etc.) and you need to either restrain them or get additional support. On the opposite side, in the worst case scenario, when you risk bodily injury, rape, or death - you need to be prepared do whatever it takes to stop the attack and get to a place of safety. One potential tactic: go for the marbles (eyes and groin) and strike with force. These are vulnerable spots that may stop the attack long enough for your to get out of the situation.

More often than not, our emotions tend to over-ride our instincts. In the case of the healthcare provider, you are there to help patients. Don’t forget to listen to those instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. Also, watch out for these potential signs before an attack:

A. Large body movements: clenching fists, rapid eye movement (darting back and forth), aggressive movements; aggressive speech. Remember: When a patient loses control, emotionally, they can also lose control physically.

B. Invasion of your personal space. Set your boundaries (survival space - usually 6-8ft).

C. Extreme crossing of your personal space: verbal assaults, physical grabs, pushes.

A few suggestions:
1. Keep your escape routes open. Never let a patient get between you and the door.

2. Make sure to explain to the patient what your intentions are (I.V. insertion, probing) before you cross their personal boundaries. Don’t assume they know what your intentions are.

3. Size up your potential for injury. Going back to those instincts, if you feel like something isn’t right… don’t wait for the worst case scenario to happen - get out of the situation.

Unfortunately, your plight doesn’t end when you leave the actual work environment. Hospitals, clinics, etc. can also be high-risk environments for attacks outside of the workplace. Think about it: your usually tired after your shift, walking to your car (in some cases at night)… maybe your texting or on your phone. This is a prime environment for an attack.

Remember:
1. Walk in groups… walk with a friend or a security guard.

2. Park close to your exit (if you can). Otherwise, make sure to carry a flash light and maybe even a can of pepper spray in case of attack.

3. BE AWARE: no matter how tired you are… be alert, or at the very least, make yourself appear alert. No cell phones, no texting - your head is on a swivel. You’re looking around at your environment. Make yourself a hard target. Remember a predator will assess a potential attack with two things in mind: can I get away with the attack without getting hurt and without getting caught.

Stay safe.

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