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Episode Six: Luke Heckathorn, Director of Safety and Security at Legacy Health
Episode Six: Luke Heckathorn, Director of Safety and Security at Legacy Health
Episode synopsis
In this episode of "A Safer Shift," Blake Lewkowitz speaks with Luke Heckathorn, the Director of Safety and Security at Legacy Health. Luke shares his journey from EMT to security leadership and highlights troubling trends in workplace violence within healthcare settings, emphasizing the rising severity of incidents. He discusses the impact of recent violence against healthcare workers, including a tragic incident involving a safety officer. Luke advocates for the adoption of innovative technologies, like body-worn cameras and improved access control systems, to enhance safety and accountability. He concludes with advice for security leaders to embrace change, leverage data, and collaborate with partners to foster safer environments.
Video transcript
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Welcome to A Safer Shift, a talk series focused on creating safer communities featuring key leaders who will help us get there. My name is Blake Lewkowitz, and I'm joined today by Luke Heckathorn, the Director of Safety and Security at Legacy Health. Thank you for joining us today, Luke.
Luke H.: Yeah, thanks for having me.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: I want to jump right in since you've been in the industry for quite some time. Can you share a bit about your background and the trends you've been seeing recently in the healthcare safety and security space, particularly regarding workplace violence?
Luke H.: Sure! Right out of high school, I became an EMT and started working on an ambulance in early 2001. I worked there for about five years before deciding to join Legacy Health’s Safety and Security Department in February 2005, where I've been ever since. I started as an on-call security officer and worked my way up to the director role. While violence has always been part of healthcare, I’ve noticed a trend in the severity of that violence. People seem to be treating healthcare workers more aggressively, and I think the lack of repercussions for such behavior has empowered them. Additionally, the rise of synthetic drugs has contributed to an increase in drug-induced psychosis, leading to more violent incidents.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: That’s unfortunate. Have you or your team witnessed any specific incidents that have raised concerns about safety?
Luke H.: Absolutely. Last August, a safety and security officer was shot and killed in the line of duty by a patient’s spouse. The perception of security teams in healthcare can often mirror that of law enforcement, leading to increased violence against them. We’ve seen a rise in violence across all roles in healthcare, from patient access to housekeeping and physicians. It seems like there’s an expectation that acting violently comes with little to no consequences.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: It’s troubling that nurses and caregivers now expect violence at work. What are your thoughts on this expectation?
Luke H.: It’s concerning to hear that many believe violence is part of the job. There should be no expectation to be assaulted, either verbally or physically, while at work. Workplaces should be safe environments. At Legacy, like many other healthcare organizations, we're looking for innovative ways to use technology to address these concerns. Implementing body-worn cameras, for example, provides visibility into the violence our teams face. My experience doesn’t compare to what they’re dealing with today, so having real-time insights helps me advocate for positive changes.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: I'm glad to hear that technology is helping. You mentioned body cameras; what other technologies do you think could impact violence trends?
Luke H.: I see metal detection playing a significant role, both passive and active systems. Body-worn cameras and tasers are also gaining traction in healthcare settings. Programs like Evidence.com simplify data management, which aids in risk mitigation and investigations. Hospitals are essentially small cities, and we should adopt similar security measures.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Looking ahead, how do you see your role and security team evolving in the next 1, 3, or 5 years? What trends do you forecast?
Luke H.: The security landscape is becoming more digital than ever. Having tech-savvy team members is crucial. The digital world will play a significant role in security infrastructure, including access control and video management.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: As we wrap up, what advice would you give to security leaders in healthcare and other industries aiming to create safer workplaces?
Luke H.: Be innovative and persistent. The healthcare environment is resistant to change, but it’s essential to keep pushing forward. Use data and learn from others’ experiences. Don’t hesitate to leverage partnerships and seek help from those who have navigated similar challenges.
Blake Lewkowitz - Axon: Thank you, Luke, for sharing your insights and for your partnership. I'm confident that you and your colleagues will continue to make the healthcare space a safer environment moving forward.
Luke H.: I appreciate it, Blake. It’s always a pleasure to converse with you, and Axon has been a fantastic partner for us.