VANCOUVER ISLAND – With tremendous pride, Island Health celebrates a Protection Services Officer who 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.
Kraeling was recognized with a provincial Award of Valour in November 2017. His nomination was then forwarded by the BC Chapter 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.
Kraeling showed exemplary courage and professionalism when faced with a difficult person at the Cowichan District Hospital. Kraeling responded to a “Code White" 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.
“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 and 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.
About International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety
The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) is the only organization solely dedicated to professionals involved in managing and directing security and safety programs in healthcare facilities. IAHSS is a professional association with more than 2,000 members who are healthcare security, law enforcement, safety and emergency management leaders.
About Island Health
Island Health, one of seven health jurisdictions in British Columbia, provides health care and support services to more than 765,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River.
With more than 20,000 staff, 1,900 physician partners, 6,000 volunteers, and the dedicated support of foundations and auxiliaries, Island Health delivers a broad range of health services, including: public health services, primary health care, home and community care, mental health and addictions services, acute care in hospitals, and much more across a huge, geographically diverse region.
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