Trinity Health Grand Rapids K9 Program Successful in De-Escalating Workplace Violence and Promoting Safety
August 25, 2024For Immediate Release
Contact:
Emma Nelson
Emma.Nelson002@trinity-health.org
(616) 260-5101
For canines Bosco, Kyro, Zan, and Marco, Trinity Health Grand Rapids is where they go to work each day. Since April 2022, these four dogs have been part of the hospital’s security K9 program to reduce workplace violence and support employee morale and patient safety.
The hospital has at least one dog onsite 24/7 in preparation for tense or violent situations that need de-escalation, something hospitals navigate daily as 85% of Emergency Department doctors have reported being seriously threatened by patients.
The presence of canines immediately decreases an aggressor’s threat level. After more than two years in service, the canines have played a role in countless deployments for Emergency Department and hospital conflict resolution, successfully de-escalating 75% of situations they are involved in.
“The canines are trained in obedience, aggression control, and explosive detection. The dogs are prepared to deter violence and quickly mitigate tense situations, along with their handlers,” said Dave Kiddle, security and emergency preparedness director at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “Emergency Departments often see more violence or disruptive behavior than other areas in hospitals due to the nature of emergencies and acting as the initial evaluation site for physical and mental health situations. Our providers treat 60,000 patients annually in our Emergency Department, so it’s pivotal we keep those patients and staff safe.”
While their primary purpose is protection, the dogs are friendly companions and bring comfort, at times acting as therapy dogs. Sociability and positive temperament are necessary qualities in the canines, and they’ve managed to reduce stressors, anxiety, and safety concerns for patients, staff, and visitors.
“From inception through the end of last year, the canines were deployed for de-escalation more than 400 times, visited hundreds of patients, and interacted with more than 24,000 people,” stated Kiddle. “This is a testament to our handlers’ consistent training and understanding of the canines’ purpose: to reduce workplace violence and provide emotional support and joy to all in our hospitals.”
The program includes two Dutch Shepherds from the Netherlands and two Belgian Malinois Shepherds, one from the Czech Republic and one from Slovakia. Before working in the hospital, the dogs completed a six-week training course. Each canine is paired with a handler who serves as a Trinity Health Grand Rapids security officer and rotates around-the-clock shifts at the hospital.
The program was possible due to a grant from the Saint Mary’s Foundation. The grant covered dog and handler training, veterinary expenses, K9 vehicles, and other supplies.
“Saint Mary’s Foundation is incredibly proud to support the K9 program. These remarkable dogs and their handlers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, patients, and visitors,” said Michelle Rabideau, CFRE, MPA, president, Saint Mary’s Foundation. “The program’s success in de-escalating potentially violent situations while also providing comfort and companionship is a true testament to the impact that thoughtful, community-focused philanthropy can have in health care."
Bosco, Kyro, Zan, and Marco are permanent Trinity Health Grand Rapids team members, creating a consistent, safety-focused presence. To learn more about the canines at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, watch this video highlighting the security K9 program.
About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan operates nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Pontiac and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents. Trinity Health Michigan is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country serving more than 30 million people across 22 states. www.trinityhealthmichigan.org