SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS - PowerPoint Presentation

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SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH WORKERS DEVELOPED BY: TERRENCE BROWN OWNER AND FOUNDERSlide2

Social workers, crisis workers, case managers, community support workers, and visiting nurses routinely find themselves faced with difficult and potentially dangerous situations. Your jobs require that you work with clients in neighborhoods that are not always the most glamorous. Not to mention, that you are often working with individuals who are at their most vulnerable points in their lives! Slide3

In my 10 years of working with Mental Health Professionals I have notice one common occurrence among you. (That you often care so much for your clients that sometimes you neglect our own personal welfare!)The purpose of this training is to provide you, the Mental Health Professional with safety skills that will help you identify, prevent, and respond to safety concerns that may arise when you are providing services out in the community.Slide4

TODAY’S AGENDAMental Health Facts Risk FactorsSafety in the CommunityAwareness of your surroundings and trusting your gutWhat to look for and be aware of when going into persons-served homesSlide5

TODAY’S AGENDAKnowing and finding your exitsEnsuring the safety of your teams and how to prepare and be safety conscious How do to promote safety and not become complacentWhat to do when you see a weaponDebriefing of staff after an incidentSlide6

MENTAL HEALTH FACTS OSHA's violence prevention guidelines provide the agency's recommendations for reducing workplace violence, developed following a careful review of workplace violence studies, public and private violence prevention programs and input from stakeholders. Slide7

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there were 69 homicides in the health services from 2012 to 2013. Although workplace homicides may attract more attention, the vast majority of workplace violence consists of non-fatal assaults. Injury rates also reveal that health care and social service workers are at high risk of violent assault at work. THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM Slide8

A recent university study revealed that of 1,600 Mental Health workers interviewed 3.3% had been physically assaulted, 23% had been threatened with assault, and 50% had been verbally abused. MENTAL HEALTH FACTS Slide9

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Private Health Social Nursing /

Sector Serv. Serv. Personal

Care

Facilities

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According to the BLS In 2013, Health Service Workers overall had an incidence rate of 9.3 for injuries resulting from assaults and violent acts. Social Service Workers incident rate was 15 and Nursing and Personal Care Facility Workers incident rate was 25. Compare those number to an overall private sector injury rate of 2 percent. And what do you find out about your chosen career choice?

THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM

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Health care and social service workers face an increased risk of work-related assaults stemming from several different factors. These include but are not limited to: The prevalence of handguns and other weapons among patients, their families or friends in the community. THE RISK FACTORS Slide12

The increasing use of hospitals by police and the criminal justice system for criminal holds and the care of acutely symptomatic, violent individuals.The increasing number of acute and chronic mentally ill patients being released from hospitals without follow-up care (these patients have the right to refuse medicine and can no longer be hospitalized involuntarily unless they pose an immediate threat to themselves or others) THE RISK FACTORS Slide13

The availability of drugs and money at hospitals, out patient clinics, and pharmacies. Unrestricted movement of the public in clinics and hospitals and long waits in emergency or clinic areas that lead to client frustration over an inability to obtain needed services promptly. THE RISK FACTORS Slide14

The increasing presence of drug or alcohol abusers, trauma patients or distraught family members. Low staffing levels during times of increased activity such as mealtimes, visiting times and when staff are transporting patients. Isolated work with clients during examinations or treatment.

THE RISK FACTORS Slide15

Solo work, often in remote locations with no backup or way to get assistance, such as communication devices or working phones (this is particularly true when dealing with high-crime settings where some of our Mental Health Consumers reside.) Lack of staff training in recognizing and managing escalating hostile and assaultive behavior.

THE RISK FACTORS Slide16

OSHA encourages employers to establish violence prevention programs and to track their progress in reducing work-related assaults. Although not every incident can be prevented, many can, and the severity of injuries sustained by employees can be reduced. Adopting practical measures for the risk factors we just discussed your agency can significantly reduce this serious threat to worker safety. MENTAL HEALTH FACTS Slide17

By and large, personal crime offenders target people who they perceive as being vulnerable, weak or fearful.Most offenders hope to avoid any prolonged confrontation.

FAST FACTS

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Did you know that any cell phone with power can dial (911) for emergencies?

FAST FACTS

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Before you go out into the community to meet with persons served and families:Know where you are going!Never let a consumer navigate!Make all trips in the community as short as possible!Keep your supervisor or staff

member updated with your status

and daily schedule !

SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY TIPSSlide20

SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY

Carry your cell phone with you in case of an incident. Make sure you list key contact numbers under I.C.E. in your phone!

(In Case of Emergency)Slide21

Awareness (Green, Yellow, Red)

Be aware of your surroundings

Do not text and walk

SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY Slide22

SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY

When Dealing with confrontation:

Committing to your personal safety is essential! When deciding the best way to respond to a threat

Trust your instincts!

Whether it’s to Scream, Run away, or Physically defend yourself.

You should always have a plan of action in your head. Slide23

Contact your Program Supervisor and request a callback or text when needed or unsure of what your are walking into. Create a daily or weekly schedule of appointments that you can share with your supervisor. USE YOUR AVAILABLE RESOUCESSlide24

Be confident and assertive walking with confidence, using strong body language and making eye contact with others may reduce your risk of being targeted. SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY Slide25

Know who you are working with, take the time to familiarize yourself with their psychiatric history.Don’t put your self at risk when things are not safe around you. Error on the side of caution when responding with the Police.

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Try and assess the motives, mental state, physical surroundings and history of violence, of the offender when determining your strategy and come up with a plan in your head. SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY Slide27

Being followed? If you think you’re being followed, go to the nearest police station or occupied place. Safety in the Community Slide28

When threatened or challenged Don’t give up! If one strategy doesn’t work, keep trying different ones! This sends the message to an offender that you are not vulnerable or an easy target. SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY Slide29

Keep your purse or wallet secure Always keep your purse or wallet in a secure place close to your body or an inaccessible pocket. SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY Slide30

Don’t put up a fight for your belongings! (Limit what you take with you) Your safety is more important than your belongings. If an offender wants your bag, wallet or money, hand them over! Whatever you are carrying with you is not worth your life!

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During the Crisis: Remove yourself from the threat if possible, run away or use (Reasonable force) to remove yourself from danger.

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Breath! Analyze the situation, survey the scene, look for any weapons that could harm you and exit routes. Learn to ignore verbal harassment Practice Rational Detachment, In cases involving verbal harassment ignore it and move on. If you’re alone, head straight to the nearest occupied area or police station for assistance.

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SAFETY IN THE COMMUNITY Learn to ignore verbal harassment and how to Practice Rational Detachment, In cases involving verbal harassment ignore it and move on. Slide34

Avoid walking alone at night! Try to walk with other people especially at night. If alone, walk in well-lit areas even if you’re only going a short distance.

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Remember isolated areas are a risk! Try to keep to populated areas with lots of activity whether you’re exercising, or just out and about, especially at night. Attract attention if possible – Most offenders don’t want to be caught in the act. Scream for assistance, Yell FIRE! then call for

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Be cautious when using ATM’S! Be alert when withdrawing cash and don’t count money in view of other people.Keep your purse or wallet secure and never carry more cash than you need for the day.

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SAFETY SECURITY CONSULTANTS 5 P’S Proper PlanningPrevents

Poor

Performance

I have learned that after the fight, flight, or freeze instinct has passed you

will

revert to your highest level of training!

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Clinical debriefing with immediate Supervisor, HR, and a Safety Supervisor if possible Create a plan of action to mitigate future problemsShare information with all staff company wide.

DEBRIEFING OF STAFF AFTER AN INCIDENTSlide39

1. Identify 3 safety concerns that have arisen while working in the community. 2. Identify 3 at-risk behaviors that you should never do when transporting a consumer.

TIME TO SHARE JOB EXPERIENCESSlide40

3. What are 3 proactive measures you can do prior to an initial visit. 4. What are 3 safety measures you can implement while in a consumers’ home? 5. When faced with a agitated consumer, name 3 techniques that could be used to increase your personal safety.

SAFETY QUESTIONS

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6. When faced with a safety concern that makes you uncomfortable on a visit, identify 3 interventions that should be implemented to ensure your subsequent safety.7. Currently, what is the greatest threat to reducing your boundaries within your therapeutic relationships?

SAFETY QUESTIONS

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8. What shared experiences or protocols have been brought to your attention from this training? 9. What should be your primary goal at the end of the day?

SAFETY QUESTIONS

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The mass shootings that we are dealing with as a country have drawn attention to our field and persons served. After the Sandy Hook incident hearings of the House Energy and Commerce oversight subcommittee were carefully designed or staged to show the anguish felt by parents of mentally ill children and young adults who struggle with police and health care providers to get treatment.

WRAP UPSlide44

All three parents complained that doctors’ interpretations of  HIPAA prevented them from helping their children. Doctors, said they feared sharing vital information for fear of violating privacy rules. And, they complained, too often they had no one to call but police when their children became violent. WRAP UPSlide45

In November 2013 Virginia State Senator R. Deeds was repeatedly stabbed in the face and chest by his 24 year old mentally ill son. The son then shot himself in what investigators suspect was an attempted murder and suicide. Deeds faults the State’s mental health system in the incident, and has returned to the state Senate determined to strengthen emergency custody process for the mentally ill. WRAP UPSlide46

The incident took place just six years after the Virginia Tech massacre, which prompted a outpouring of attention and dollars for the state mental health care system, advocates still say the system is starved for money and reform.. WRAP UPSlide47

I love the Mental Health field and believe whole heartedly not only in what we do but the people we serve. But as you can see we are faced with a daunting uphill battle to change the current system we operate in. With that being said I urge you to remember that is not about us! It is about the extraordinary circumstances that the men, women, and children are experiencing that has led us to their doors.

WRAP UPSlide48

HOST ORGANIZATIONS NAME HERE! and SSC want nothing more than for you to go home to your love ones at the end of the day! COMPLACENCY CAN LEAD TO CASUALTYSlide49

QuestionsCommentsSafety Concerns

CONCLUSION