RESO Security teams at acute care ministries in Richland, Washington and Anchorage, Alaska have integrated K9 programs to enhance security and safety of patients, visitors and caregivers. Although not part of the RESO structure, there are also successful K9 programs in Walla Walla and Spokane.
Randy Hughes, safety and security senior manager in Anchorage, shares that the canines are a great de-escalation tool and therapeutic modality, especially in the mental health unit. Hughes adds that workplace violence at Providence Alaska Medical Center has dropped 50% with the K9s being a contributing factor in the decline.
The team of K9s consists of individual dogs that are carefully chosen and trained in explosive detection or narcotics before deployment. Each K9 is assigned a handler (caregiver) who is responsible for taking care of the dog, building a relationship, and reading the dog’s behaviors.
The canines and their handlers conduct regular foot and vehicle patrols throughout the campuses. During foot patrols the Security Officers often stop at the various nursing units and allow the dogs to socialize with caregivers in a limited manner. These interactions have increased communication between Security and caregivers.
The most recent implementation of canines is at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington. According to Jacob Raleigh, safety and security manager, the local foundation funded the initial year of the program.
In addition to providing security for the hospitals, the K9s are also used to build relationships in the local communities. Hospital security has experienced an improved relationship with law enforcement agencies as a result of the K9 programs. Agencies has extended invitations to their training events and Providence has returned the invites to internal training events.