Comprehensive Psychiatric Practice Safety Protocols

1. Physical Environment Security

Reception and Waiting Area

• Install panic buttons at reception desk
• Maintain clear sightlines for staff
• Remove potential weapons (heavy objects, sharp items)
• Install security cameras with monitoring
• Ensure adequate lighting

Treatment Rooms

• Position desk near exit door
• Install secondary exit where possible
• Mount panic buttons in accessible locations
• Remove or secure potential hazards

2. Staff Safety Procedures

Personal Safety Protocols

• Maintain arm's length distance from agitated patients
• Keep clear path to exit
• Carry personal alarm devices
• Work in pairs when seeing high-risk patients

De-escalation Training

• Annual crisis intervention training
• Verbal de-escalation techniques
• Recognition of warning signs
• Emergency response procedures

3. Patient Risk Assessment

Initial Screening

• Violence risk assessment
• Substance use evaluation
• History of aggressive behavior
• Current mental status

Ongoing Monitoring

• Regular risk reassessment
• Documentation of behavioral changes
• Communication with care team

4. Emergency Response Plan

Code Systems

• Code Gray: Combative person
• Code Silver: Person with weapon
• Code Green: Evacuation

Emergency Contacts

• Local law enforcement
• Crisis response team
• Emergency medical services

5. Documentation Requirements

Incident Reports

• Date, time, location
• Involved parties
• Description of incident
• Actions taken
• Witness statements

Follow-up Procedures

• Staff debriefing
• Protocol review
• Corrective actions
• Quality improvement measures

6. Medication Safety

Storage

• Secure medication storage
• Controlled substance protocols
• Regular inventory checks
• Access documentation

Administration

• Two-person verification
• Patient identification protocol
• Documentation requirements

7. Regular Safety Reviews

Monthly Checks

• Security equipment testing
• Emergency equipment inspection
• Communication systems verification

Quarterly Reviews

• Staff training compliance
• Incident report analysis
• Protocol effectiveness evaluation
• Safety improvement planning