remote entry for access to PACU from the lobby. RFID doors require
everybody to wear their ID badges — including doctors. "Safety and
security isn't always convenient," says Ms. Chrismer, noting, for exam-
ple, that doors with magnetic closures or RFID devices can't be
propped open.
Silver stickers on door frames indicate "safe room" designations.
There's RFID lockdown of a freight elevator area and of sky bridge
doors, and a new wall and doors with peep holes. Security radios
have been placed in the scheduling office, medical records and lobby
for immediate access to hospital security. All telephones have 911 and
9-911 access. Panic buttons were installed in reception, registration,
financial, counseling and scheduling areas. Staff escort visitors and
students through the facility. They've been trained to defuse tense sit-
uations.
"Limited access means that we must be more engaged with visitors
and give better instructions," says Ms. Chrismer. "Vigilance is the key
to a successful safety/security plan. My sincerest hope is that you
never experience a workplace violence event that changes your
world."
• • •
From the OR to the ER: a case of MH
M
arsha Thornhill, MD, the director of anesthesia at the
Teaneck (N.J.) Surgical Center, helped save an 18-year-old
patient's life 7 years ago. The patient was having a rhinoplas-
ty at a 1-room office-based plastic surgery center.
The case was going very well, Dr. Thornhill remembers, but while
the surgeon was closing, she noticed that the patient's CO
2
had
increased from the 30 mmHg range to 50 or 60. "He was intubated, so
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