SAFETY IN PSYCHIATRIC ENVIRONMENTS

Psychiatric hospitals are sensitive places where strong and complex emotions are expressed. These environments bring together people with serious mental disorders, as well as those who are going through the worst times of their lives, due to disruptive events or who need temporary support. Whatever the reasons, safety is of paramount importance to ensure the well-being of patients and staff alike.

A protective environment

Psychiatric hospitals are generally designed to minimize the risk of injury to both patients and staff. This can range from the prohibition of potentially dangerous objects to the implementation of specific safety measures in rooms and communal areas. 

Staff working in psychiatry generally also receive appropriate training in managing aggressive or disruptive behavior. This enables them to better understand patients, prevent incidents and react appropriately when a situation arises. In addition, patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital are assessed for any risks associated with their psychological conditions. 

While practices may vary from one establishment to another, they generally employ trained security guards to ensure the safety of the premises. Their tasks are varied. They may include preventive rounds in and around the facility, paying particular attention to sensitive areas. Security guards are also on hand to accompany medical staff when required to meet with certain patients, and are regularly called upon to assist with the arrival of new residents. Trained in this particular context, agents work closely with both medical staff and emergency services such as the police or medical emergencies. 

A complex job

The job of a security guard in a psychiatric environment is a complex one. On the one hand, they must be firm and command respect, but they must also act as a pillar of trust and a calm presence. This is an important role in supporting the medical staff, but also in reassuring the patients themselves. Indeed, patients in a psychiatric hospital are often in vulnerable states, which requires the agent to prioritize various non-violent communication techniques. He or she must be able to handle delicate situations while remaining calm, giving priority to the spoken word and empathy. 

Nevertheless, some patients can also display emotions in a physically violent way, requiring the agent to always be on guard and ready to ensure his or her own safety, as well as that of staff and other patients. What's more, working in a psychiatric environment sometimes means having to deal with serious situations linked to mental disorders. These can be emotionally disturbing and sometimes difficult to cope with. To be able to work effectively in this type of environment, security guards need specific training and a particular profile.