security guard wearing a mask
Andrew, Protection Services

Showing the human behind the badge

This is Andrew. When you think of frontline healthcare heroes, you probably don't think of security guards. But our Protection Services team is also on the frontlines of patient care.

Protection services are highly trained staff who are dedicated to the safety of all patients, visitors and staff members at Michael Garron Hospital. They respond to over 400 incidents a month, and over 150 service requests a day - and they're on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Here's what Andrew finds meaningful about his job. 

"When people see me, they see the uniform, the badge and the body armour. It can be intimidating. I try to show people the human behind all of that. 

We are working with a lot of people in crisis. When I encounter people in an escalated situation, I try my best to care for them in what's probably the worst 20 minutes of their life. Often they end up in the hospital alone and with nobody who cares for them. I try to show them that somebody cares, even if I am a complete stranger. 

It takes a special kind of person to do this job. I used to be in the military, so I'm used to difficult situations. My co-workers care a lot about our patients. They are able to de-escalate people and also have a lot of empathy. 

We have our tough days for sure, but I'm glad I can help people."