Northeast Georgia Health System is turning to technology to make its hospitals safer for patients and staff. NGHS is the first health system in the nation to train its security team with the Apex Virtual Reality Simulator.
In recent years, threats of active shooters in public places and workplace violence spurred by the pandemic have increased hospital security concerns. Security professionals say it’s important for officers to learn how to de-escalate difficult and potentially dangerous situations.
“Our hospitals are now busier than ever,” says Rosetta Wright, Security Supervisor at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton. “It can be stressful for families and friends, and we want to make sure we are providing them with the peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to secure their safety.”
Like gaming devices, Apex Officer is a virtual reality simulator worn on the head during training. It provides realistic and immersive de-escalation and crisis intervention training through random, life-like scenarios. Each situation has different outcomes to every action. NGHS officials say this type of training will help their security officers respond more effectively.
“Our officers are always confronted with new and challenging situations. This new equipment will help prepare us for all sorts of scenarios,” says NGHS Security Director Darrell Townsend. “We look forward to training our officers with this equipment to provide the highest level of safety for our staff, patients, and visitors.”
