When an emergency occurs, whether it is a cardiac or first-aid emergency, or a natural disaster or workplace violence incident, the emergency responder who makes the difference between life and death is one who is well trained. This can include individuals who receive this training as part of their profession and also average citizens.
When we consider those who train for these life-threatening situations as part of their careers, hospital staff, paramedics and police officers are the first to come to mind. But the first responders to many emergencies are not medical staff or law enforcement but security officers. Security officers are around us every day – in our workplaces, schools, banks and stores. And when these individuals are well trained, they are positioned to step in and save lives.