Friday, March 29, 2024

Protection services officer awarded after an incredible act of bravery on the job

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Island Health has announced “with tremendous pride” that a Vancouver Island Protection Services Officer was honoured in Chicago this week for an incredible act of bravery on the job.

Charles Kraeling received the Award of Valour from the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety at their annual conference.

The International award comes after Kraeling received a provincial Award of Valour in November 2017.

The BC Chapter then forwarded his nomination to the International Association of Healthcare Security and Safety.

This is the first time an Island Health employee has received an international award for valour.

Knife-Wielding Patient At Cowichan District Hospital

Kraeling showed “exemplary courage and professionalism” when faced with a difficult person at the Cowichan District Hospital.

Kraeling responded to a “Code White” (violent person) call and found a knife-wielding man who was threatening him, patients and staff in a four-bed room.

While his partner distracted the person, Kraeling was able to wrestle the weapon away and secure the room.

One of Ninety Island-Based Protection Officers

“Our Protection Services Officers must confront many challenges in their work lives and often go above and beyond in the call of duty to protect patients and staff as Charles bravely demonstrated,” said Leah Hollins, Island Health Board of Directors Chair.

“It is gratifying for us all to see him recognized and celebrated by his peers and on an international stage.”

Island Health’s 90 full-time Protection Services Officers are located in health-care facilities throughout the Island Health region. They all work to ensure the safety and security of patients, visitors and staff.

Officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They respond to a variety of calls including dealing with violent or volatile individuals (Code White), damage to property, fire safety and prevention, first aid, and patient and staff escorts.

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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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