Integrated protection services

Provincial Integrated Protection Services (PIPS) is responsible for safeguarding people and infrastructure in all provincial health-care facilities. Security and emergency management systems are coordinated and integrated to always ensure the smooth delivery of health services, even with security issues or disruptions. 

Security operations staff maintain professional affiliation with industry associations including the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety, Disaster Recovery Institute and International Association Emergency Managers.

The main components of this program are: 

• security operations, 
• security systems, and 
• health emergency and continuity management. 

Security operations
Security operations ensure patient and staff safety. We work closely with health-care teams to assess risks and provide security guidance. 

We regularly assess and evaluate the effectiveness of current security measures, identify vulnerabilities and recommend improvements. A key focus is violence prevention, which involves developing strategies and protocols to identify, prevent, and address potential violent incidents.

Health-care security officers are vital to maintain a safe and secure environment and are stationed at several provincial sites. They conduct regular security patrols, manage access control to restricted areas, and respond to incidents or disturbances. Their presence ensures health-care facilities operate without disruption, creating a safe and supportive environment for care.

Security systems
In addition to personnel, security systems involve photo identification, access control, video surveillance information and related processes. We provide strategic advice and guidance on business and video surveillance systems records, and ID access management. We oversee the development of Security Operations Centre(s), which centralize processes for identification, access control, and video surveillance management.

Our security systems team works closely with internal and external partners to ensure video surveillance system information follows provincial privacy legislation.

Health emergency and continuity management
Health emergency and continuity management ensures effective emergency code response and business continuity plans. Specifically, health services maintain a state of readiness to respond and recover from operational disruptions or disasters. We work with other levels of government, departments, agencies and organizations provincially to coordinate responses.

Extreme heat
Heat warnings are issued when very high temperatures or humidity conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

During extreme heat events:

• Reduce your heat risk.
• Schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle.
• Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty and stay in a cool place.

To learn more about how to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat, visit:

• Extreme heat – Health information 
• Prepare for heat events – Health Canada 
• Get prepared – Government of Canada

Extreme weather
Extreme weather events present a significant hazard. These events are increasing in Newfoundland and Labrador, leading to more frequent and intense occurrences. Please consider your health needs prior to adverse weather and prepare for any emergencies.

For the latest weather warnings, visit:

• Environment Canada – Warnings 
• Prepare for extreme weather and possible health emergencies

For general information on how to prepare for emergency situations, visit www.getprepared.ca.

Wildfires
Wildfires are natural disasters characterized by uncontrolled fires that rapidly spread across vegetation and forested areas. They can be caused by natural factors such as lightning or human activities like campfires or discarded cigarettes. Wildfires pose significant risks to lives, properties and the environment.

Emergency Preparedness Week (May 7–13) encourages Canadians to be prepared for emergencies, ensuring they can cope on their own for the first 72 hours of an emergency while rescue workers help those in urgent need. This national effort is supported by provincial and territorial emergency management organizations and Public Safety Canada.

By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies:

• Know the risks: Understand the risks specific to our community and region.
• Plan: Make a plan for what to do in an emergency.
• Get an emergency kit: Make sure you have basic supplies to get by for at least 72 hours.

NL Health Services monitors the progress of severe weather conditions closely. In extreme weather conditions, please note:

• Clinics, support groups and appointments may be rescheduled or cancelled. Call ahead for further information.
• Individuals travelling long distances should call ahead to confirm their appointments.
• If you are not able to attend a scheduled appointment, notify the respective healthcare area(s). General contact information: Contact us.
• If an appointment is cancelled due to weather, you will be contacted to reschedule.

Your health and what to consider BEFORE an emergency

• Ensure that medications and health-care supplies are in a safe, secure and easily accessible location.
• Create a list of important medical contacts that you can easily take with you.
• Check on relatives or family members now who may need assistance if there is a power or phone interruption.
• Have an updated, easily accessible list of people to call in the event of an emergency.
• Have a reasonable supply of prescription medications on hand.
• Have a plan in place for extra oxygen supply and backup electrical power in the event of a power outage.
• Have a plan for backup electrical power for use in home dialysis.
• Know how to access medical services in your community or surrounding area during a communications outage or significant road closure event.

 The following links provide more resources related to emergency management:

• Emergency preparedness for people with disabilities 
• Emergency preparedness for kids 
• 72-Hour Plan 
• Pandemic Preparedness