Frank,
Just as a followup to this issue, if you are able to have your local PD come by the office it is well worth it.
Yesterday we had two officers spend about an hour with the staff and several of the docs to give a nice presentation and several take home messages.
1. Have a plan in place, keep a count of staff to account for everyone, and have a designated area to meet up in a crisis.
2. As Indy said above--have a barrier and a method to de-escalate.
3. Have either a sounding device or flashing light system, so all staff and docs can be aware when a crisis is developing.
4. Call 911 ASAP and alternatively there is a non-emergent # to the police that can be used in less critical situations.
5. Educational Classes available provided by local police--ours offer a free 12 week course, and learn anything from tazing to doing a ride around, to shooting a handgun.
I think your topic has been most helpful, and thank you for bringing this up.
One of our next nurse meetings will involve teaching de-escalation techniques by bringing an expert to discuss the judo-talkdown technique.
