Are security guards first responders?
First responders are professionals like police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who are trained and designated to respond appropriately in emergencies. But what about security personnel? Are security guards first responders?
While security guards aren’t technically first responders, they are often the first on the scene in an emergency for properties they secure. When properly trained in life-saving techniques, they can serve as first responders until authorities arrive. These include CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED) use, fire safety, and de-escalation tactics.
The presence of on-site security is an invaluable resource for designated first responders during emergencies, as they may need assistance with site navigation, crowd management, and conflict resolution.
When it comes to emergency response, the future of security guarding involves improved prevention, mitigation, and response processes. These include training on the use of advanced technology for enhanced monitoring and improved collaboration and integration of security and operations.
Learn more about what defines a first responder and how security guards embrace emergency roles to support authorities.
What defines a first responder?
Law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs are government-designated first responders. They are trained and certified professionals who participate in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, which means they can be dispatched to emergency scenes and deliver pre-hospital emergency medical care.
Based on this definition, while security guards aren’t government-designated first responders, they may be situational first responders by being first on the scene.
Because of this, training is essential for security guards to serve as capable first responders in such scenarios.
“Generally, as part of the licensing process, security guards are trained in various emergency protocols, including fire safety, medical emergencies, and natural disasters,” says Anjanette Hebert, Vice President of Healthcare at PalAmerican Security. “They learn to assess situations quickly, make informed decisions, and take prompt action to mitigate risks.”
Designated first responders may be trained and certified in various public safety courses, such as CPR, AED, and first aid for children, adults, and severe trauma victims, as well as healthcare courses, such as basic and advanced life support and emergency medical response.
Security guards might receive similar training and certifications to act as first responders until authorities arrive, though they lack the formal designation of first responder. Regardless, security is often touted for saving lives by police and firefighters. Some security guards receive advanced training, and in many cases, private security can respond to emergencies faster than first responders. This means security is often credited with life-saving actions, preventing catastrophes from occurring.
Key emergency roles of security guards
Businesses and organizations like hospitals, retail stores, airports, schools, and offices require tailored guard services. Daily private security responsibilities can include:
- Preventive patrol
- Video surveillance monitoring and dispatch service
- Parking enforcement
- Incident response and reporting
- First aid and safety
- Wayfinding and customer service
- Courteous enforcement
When emergencies arise, security guards may be called upon to do more. Once authorities have been notified, guards who are properly trained and certified can deliver lifesaving care like CPR, AED, and first aid to accident victims. PalAmerican has developed multiple advanced training courses to prepare guards for emergency response in various industries.
Guards equipped with de-escalation training are better equipped to respond to non-compliant and potentially violent individuals or to respond to a crowd control situation. It is critically important that both unarmed and armed guards are properly trained for the situation they are expected to manage and understand the use of force limits of their role and jurisdiction.
Immediate response in crisis situations
Security guards can take on critical first responder roles in the time before law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs arrive on the scene and support authorities upon arrival. Immediate response activities can include evacuation, crowd control, and first aid delivery.
For example, if a patient in a hospital attacks a healthcare provider, a security guard may act to neutralize the threat and protect the healthcare worker. Similarly, if an office worker suffers a heart attack, trained and certified guards could deliver life-saving care until first responders arrive to take over.
Tragedy prevention
In addition to being first on the scene, a well-planned security program combines security guards and technology, allowing them to prevent tragedies.
“Security guards have successfully prevented suicide attempts because they spotted someone on a garage or rooftop using CCTV and were able to facilitate a response in minutes,” Hebert says.
A security guard with the right training can also minimize safety hazards by understanding where to access emergency equipment or how to properly cordon off an area to limit exposure. In more remote zones, security guards who have first aid and CPR training are often designated as first responders until EMS professionals arrive.
Coordinating with emergency services
When emergency response teams arrive, security guards can transition to supplying valuable collaborative support services.
“The onsite guards can provide critical incident details to responders, including the type of emergency, specific location within the facility, and the severity of the situation,” says Hebert.
From there, guards support authorities by managing crowds, securing access points, escorting first responders through the facility, and performing other tasks as requested. The continued presence of well-trained guards throughout the emergency helps to prevent further escalation by monitoring and providing quick responses to issues that arise.
Security guards are sometimes asked to participate in a standby capacity for helicopters landing or taking off, which can put them in a position to send out emergency notifications if something goes wrong.
Specialized training and equipment
Security guards' training and certification requirements differ by state, company, and client. However, it’s not uncommon for both unarmed and armed guards to receive basic emergency response training.
“Basic emergency response and crisis management training like first aid, CPR, use of fire extinguishers, and evacuation procedures are important to develop skills that are relevant across a broad range of emergency situations,” Hebert explains.
De-escalation training is also an important means of preventing verbal altercations from escalating into physical violence.
It’s increasingly common in the industry to train security professionals on security equipment and technology, including CCTV cameras, systems for access control, and alarms, as many businesses rely on these technologies for their properties.
Legal and practical limitations
Government-designated first responders may be dispatched to emergencies through the EMS system, while security guards with proper training and certifications provide emergency response on-site until authorities arrive. However, there are several practical and legal limitations on the services security providers offer.
Scope of work
“In many settings, security guards are limited by the scope of work defined in the job description or contract,” says Hebert. “It is imperative for a business seeking security guard services to know what they want, need, and expect the security guard to do.”
This becomes the basis for determining the level of training and guard needed for the role.
Some security guards' roles are limited to “observe and report” responsibilities. In this capacity, personnel are not expected to respond directly to an event. Instead, they are tasked with ensuring appropriate notification is made to the designated person, team, or response agency.
Lack of training/appropriate tools
“Other limitations include lack of training or appropriate tools and technology for an effective response,” reports Hebert. Any expectations placed upon a security guard for response have to be paired with the right training and appropriate tools.
For example, it would typically be considered unreasonable to expect an unarmed security guard to directly engage an active shooter. In this circumstance, an unarmed security guard wouldn’t have the training or equipment required to mount an effective response to the event. Their role would be to observe, report, and assist others to safety.
Lack of legal protections
Security guards don’t share the legal protections and immunities designated first responders are granted, so it’s important to understand a guard’s limits of authority within a given facility and jurisdiction. With this information, appropriate training can be given to security guards to respond more effectively to adverse events.
For instance, qualified immunity protects authorities from liability, provided their actions don’t violate established constitutional rights, while Good Samaritan laws protect those who attempt to deliver life-saving care. Security guards are protected in some of these cases if specific criteria are met.
Why security guards are indispensable in emergencies
Although security guards aren’t government-designated first responders, effective incident response can hinge on their actions.
Having an on-site presence as emergencies unfold in real time ensures a faster response that can save lives. Guards who are properly trained and licensed offer adaptable services across industries, and heightened preparedness can mitigate danger and harmful outcomes in various emergency scenarios.
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How PalAmerican makes a difference
When unarmed and armed security guards have the proper training and certifications to respond to emergencies, they can not only minimize harm but prevent it in many cases. Their nuanced role involves recognizing emergencies, contacting authorities, and supporting services to ensure an effective and efficient response. Businesses and organizations seeking comprehensive safety should consider the many benefits of prioritizing professional security services.
PalAmerican Security proudly offers industry-leading security services designed to make the world a safer and friendlier place. We offer Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) certifications, Active Shooter/Hospital Event Response (ASHER) Training, and intensive Master Security Officer training programs to equip guards with advanced skills to handle high-risk situations. Contact us today to discover how our security solutions can enhance your organization’s safety protocols.
FAQ
What are the primary roles of security guards in emergencies?
During emergencies, security guards alert authorities and may use their training and available tools to secure the scene, minimize safety hazards, de-escalate conflict, and/or deliver emergency medical care until authorities arrive.
Can security guards perform CPR or first aid?
Security guards trained and certified in CPR, first aid, and other emergency care procedures can assess a situation, determine whether medical care is needed, and deliver care in accordance with their first aid training to stabilize a patient until authorities arrive.
Is there a difference between armed and unarmed guards during emergencies?
The primary difference between armed and unarmed guards is that the former may carry firearms or conducted electrical weapons after completing training and competency tests and obtaining certification. Both armed and unarmed guards can be trained in emergency response, as not all emergency situations require (or benefit from) the presence of firearms.
Are security guards legally recognized as first responders?
Practically speaking, trained and certified security guards can fulfill the role of first responders until authorities arrive. However, they aren’t legally recognized as first responders the same way police officers, firefighters, and EMTs are.
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