EVERETT, JUNE 5: Providence Regional Medical Center Everett (PRMCE) recently added a trained K-9 and handler to its Emergency Department security team at the Colby Campus to de-escalate tense situations and reduce workplace violence.
K-9 Rubi is the first trained detection dog at PRMCE, and is the 15th trained detection dog Providence has deployed in hospital Emergency Departments (ED) throughout Washington state and Alaska.
“Every caregiver should come to work feeling safe, protected and valued. That’s why our Security department and PRMCE executive leadership decided to add a K-9 to the Colby Campus Emergency Department,” Kristy Carrington, RN, MBA, chief executive of Providence Swedish North Puget Sound said.
Rubi, under the guidance of her handler, Security Officer Anthony Zepeda, is trained to be a calming presence, de-escalate tense situations and provide detection in and around the ED to help reduce workplace violence and increase caregiver safety, PRMCE said in a press release.
Between 2021-2022 health care and social assistance experience the highest counts for workplace violence compared to other industries.
Since instituting their respective K-9 programs, Providence Sacred Heart in Spokane and Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage have seen a 30% drop in workplace violence, according to PRMCE.
Rubi is a detection dog not a patrol dog, meaning she is trained specifically to look for narcotics or bombs and is not aggressive, according to PRMCE.
In preparation for the start of their work together, Rubi and Zepeda received high-level training together in Alabama between mid-March and early May. After successfully completing the K-9 training course, Rubi and Zepeda enjoyed a couple of weeks off before working their first shift together on May 19. When not working, Rubi lives with Zepeda in Marysville.
Steve and Carol Klein, owners of Everett-based Klein Honda, made a generous donation to the Providence General Foundation to fund startup costs for the K-9 program at PRMCE.
As a way to help introduce Rubi to the community, the K-9 and her handler – along with their counterparts from the Swedish Edmonds Emergency Department – will attend the Everett AquaSox ‘Bark in the Park’ game on Tuesday night, June 10.
Before the 5 p.m. matchup vs. the Tri-City Dust Devils, the two K-9 teams will be introduced to attendees as they walk from the pitching mound to home plate at Funko Field. The ceremonial first pitch will then be thrown by Steve and Carol Klein.
Based on a press release from Providence Regional Medical Center Everett.
