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Behavioral Response Team

What is a Behavioral Response Team (BRT)?

The Behavioral Response Team (BRT) is a dedicated unit that swiftly handles behavioral emergencies. The primary objective of the BRT is to promptly respond to Code White situations and Panic Alarms, while also conducting thorough analysis and examination of police reports. This scrutiny enables the identification of individuals, such as patients, visitors, or others, who require intervention from the BRT.

In order to effectively address the needs of patients, visitors, staff, and students, the BRT collaborates closely with Risk Management, the Office of Patient Experience, and the Office of Wellbeing. By fostering strong partnerships with these entities, the BRT ensures that all available resources are provided, promoting a safe environment and minimizing workplace violence.

The BRT strives to implement a compassionate and patient-centered approach to handling behavioral incidents. Utilizing empathy and principles of community policing, the BRT endeavors to enhance the protection of our esteemed UMMC staff and visitors.

 

What are the goals of the BRT? 

The primary goal is to minimize instances of workplace violence and injuries affecting both patients and employees at UMMC. Additionally, they aim to effectively de-escalate situations that typically result in heightened responses involving a significant number of police and clinical personnel, as seen in Code White and panic scenarios. By reducing the frequency of code whites and panic alarms, we can prevent unnecessary allocation of UMMC and UMMC PD resources, mitigate burnout among clinical and patrol staff, and alleviate staff shortages.

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BRT Technicians 

In the early spring of 2023, the UMMC PD employed technicians, or "techs," to assist the BRT Team. As non-sworn members of the UMMC PD, BRT Techs specialize in handling behavioral and mental health-related situations with a focus on de-escalation techniques and effective communication. This specialized team contributes significantly to enhancing patient care, safety, and overall well-being within the medical center environment. 

The primary responsibility of BRT techs is to respond to incidents involving patients or individuals who are exhibiting behavioral issues, emotional distress, or mental health concerns. Their training in de-escalation techniques equips them with the skills to effectively manage and defuse potentially tense situations, preventing them from escalating into more serious problems. By employing active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution strategies, BRT techs aim to create a calm and supportive atmosphere while ensuring the safety of all parties involved.

One of the key functions of BRT techs is to conduct rounding procedures. These rounds involve systematically checking on patients who are exhibiting behavioral challenges, mental health crises, or emotional distress. During these rounds, BRT techs assess the well-being of patients, address any immediate concerns, and offer support or guidance as needed. This proactive approach helps identify potential issues before they escalate and allows for timely intervention and assistance.

In addition to rounding procedures, BRT techs are also capable of providing one-on-one observations for patients requiring closer monitoring due to behavioral issues. This level of observation can be especially crucial for patients who may be at risk of self-harm, have a history of aggressive behavior, or require specialized attention. BRT techs work closely with the medical staff to ensure that patients receive the appropriate care and support while maintaining a secure and controlled environment.

The versatility of BRT techs allows them to adapt to a wide range of scenarios. They may assist in crisis intervention, collaborate with medical professionals to develop patient care plans, participate in interdisciplinary teams focused on patient well-being, and provide valuable insights and perspectives on managing behavioral and mental health challenges within UMMC.