Managing healthcare environments in 2024 requires juggling multiple responsibilities – preventing workplace violence while increasing staff retention rates; driving better patient outcomes; preserving your brand reputation – all while keeping the business thriving. It’s a big task, and one that you shouldn’t tackle alone.

To help you navigate these complexities, we consulted with two experts: David Ballard and Rich McElwain, Flock Safety Solutions Consultants. With over 35 years of combined law enforcement experience and expertise in criminal investigations, they offer invaluable insights into creating safer healthcare environments.

This 7-part series presents actionable strategies drawn from their extensive knowledge, designed to enhance security, protect healthcare workers, and improve patient outcomes. In our third installment, we cover "overwatch," which can be a powerful strategy to ensure you are aware of an potential threats, enabling faster responses.

Discover more security strategies for your healthcare facility in our guide: 7 Security Strategies to Protect Nurses, Doctors & Patients From Violence.

Part 3: Use Technology to Create "Overwatch"

With the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety of staff, patients, and visitors can be a significant challenge. One effective strategy to enhance security is by creating "overwatch" scenarios using advanced technology. This article explores how healthcare facilities can leverage technology to provide comprehensive monitoring and ensure the safety of everyone within their premises.

The Concept of "Overwatch"

"Overwatch" refers to the practice of monitoring multiple areas simultaneously, providing a protective presence without the need for physical proximity. For healthcare security personnel, this involves using technology to extend the reach and effectiveness of your team.

The Role of Technology in Creating "Overwatch"

Advanced technology plays a crucial role in creating effective overwatch scenarios. By integrating various technological solutions, healthcare facilities can ensure comprehensive monitoring and rapid response to potential threats. Key technologies involved in creating overwatch include:

1. Live Video: High-definition cameras strategically placed throughout your facility provide real-time monitoring of all activities. These cameras can cover wide areas and multiple locations, ensuring that no incident goes unnoticed.
2. Remote Monitoring: Security personnel can access live video feeds remotely, allowing them to monitor the facility from a central control room or even off-site locations. This flexibility ensures continuous vigilance, even during low-staffing periods.
3. Automated Alerts: Advanced security systems allow security personnel to flag specific activities or behaviors, such as unauthorized access or suspicious movements. These systems can trigger automated alerts, prompting security personnel to investigate and respond promptly.

"Overwatch" Scenarios

Implementing overwatch involves strategically placing cameras and sensors to cover critical areas of the healthcare facility. Here are some practical applications:

Virtual Walk-Out Assistance: Healthcare staff, such as nurses, often have to walk long distances to their cars after their shifts, especially at night. By using live video feeds, security personnel can provide virtual walk-out assistance, monitoring the staff's progress and ensuring their safety. This not only provides peace of mind for the staff but also enables security teams to respond quickly if any threats arise.

Monitoring High-Risk Areas: Certain areas of healthcare facilities, such as emergency rooms, are more prone to incidents. By placing cameras in these high-risk areas, security teams can monitor activities closely and intervene promptly if needed.

Perimeter Surveillance: Securing the perimeter of the facility is crucial for preventing unauthorized access. Cameras placed at entry and exit points can monitor all vehicles and individuals entering the premises. This ensures that any suspicious activity is detected early, 

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Creating "overwatch" using advanced technology is an effective strategy for enhancing security in healthcare facilities. By leveraging live video, remote monitoring, and automated alerts, healthcare providers can ensure comprehensive monitoring and rapid response to potential threats. Implementing these technologies not only enhances safety but also provides peace of mind for staff and patients, contributing to a secure and protected healthcare environment.

Read on to part 4: Better Protect Your Healthcare Campus with Multiple Layers of Technology

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