A Knife Is Lying on the Subway Floor. What Should You Do?
VNS Health is committed to keeping its team members safe, particularly those who work in the field. In fact, VNS Health has an individual on staff whose primary focus is to keep all team members safe.
Lauren Campbell, our Emergency Management and Employee Safety Director, works with departments across the organization as well as outside agencies to implement and maintain policies and procedures designed to keep both team members in the field and those based in the office as safe as possible.
What does this mean for you? To help answer that, here below are five true-life situations experienced by VNS Health team members. We’ve included how the team member responded, along with Lauren’s advice on what to do if something similar should ever happen to you.
Do you have a safety-related question for Lauren that you’d like to be considered for our next safety article? If yes, click here to submit your question.
“I noticed a knife lying in the middle of the subway floor.”
“I got on a Brooklyn-bound subway one evening, entering a car that only had two other people in it. After I sat down, I noticed a sizeable knife lying in the middle of the subway floor at the feet of one of the other passengers, who had no shoes and tattered clothes. I avoided eye contact, but after a couple of minutes the man began to speak loudly and appeared agitated. He picked up the knife, tucked it into his waistband and stood, continuing to speak. I continued to avoid eye contact by peering down at my phone as I tried not to look scared or panicked. Trying not to draw attention to myself, I got up and started to move slowly to go into the next car. The man with the knife crossed into the next car, too, so I and several other people moved to a third car. This time, the man didn’t follow.”
Lauren’s Advice:
“After observing their surroundings, this person was quick to identify the potential threat and immediately responded with an appropriate safety plan, which consisted of minimizing any engagement with the agitated man with the knife. The team member then moved to create distance between themself and the threat by moving to the exit and changing subway cars together with other riders. This is another very good tactic. In addition, whenever you see someone acting in a threatening way, it’s important to let someone in authority know as soon as you’re out of danger yourself.”
“My backpack zippers were open and my phone was missing.”
“Upon leaving work for the day, I placed my cellphone in the outside pocket of my backpack and went to catch a city bus. A group of teens were in front of me at the bus stop, causing a distraction. There were also some kids behind me. We all got on the bus. When my stop came and I got off, I noticed that my backpack zippers were all open and my phone was missing.”
Lauren’s Advice:
“Many people use backpacks to travel to and from work. But wearing your backpack on your back means it is out of your line of sight, which makes it easier for thieves to gain access to your belongings, particularly in a loud and crowded area. When you’re in this kind of setting (on a bus or subway), it’s best to carry your backpack or bag either in front of you or at your side where you can keep an eye on it. It’s also a good idea to put your arm over your bag to minimize access. Additionally, I would suggest letting the police know about an incident like this. Even if you’re not sure who took your phone, making them aware of what happened could help prevent such incidents in the future.”
“I was in the office when I received threatening phone calls.”
“I was in the office when I received threatening phone calls from an unknown male caller. I contacted 911 and emailed other team members who were also in the office that day to let them know about the threatening calls. I then followed up with the Director of Site Security.”
Lauren’s Advice:
“This team member did the right thing. Any safety incidents or concerns that occur at a VNS Health office should be immediately reported to the head of your program or department and to your office’s Director of Safety and Security for immediate action, in order to ensure that staff and property are protected.”
“Upon leaving the apartment, I noticed my wallet that was in my bag was missing.”
“On a recent home visit, I entered the patient’s apartment and left my backpack with my wallet in it on a kitchen chair while I spoke with the patient’s relative in the kitchen about the patient’s medical history. I then went into the patient’s bedroom to provide assessment and care to the patient. During my visit, I noticed another person walking in the hallway. Upon leaving the apartment, I noticed my wallet that was in my backpack was missing. I told the patient’s relative about the missing wallet, and they advised me to cancel all my cards. After the visit, I called the manager who was covering that day, plus my branch director. I also contacted the police and the credit card company.”
Lauren’s Advice:
“Remember, when you’re in a patient or client’s home, your attention will be on the patient or client and not on your belongings. For this reason, it’s important to keep your personal belongings either on your person, in a secure area, or in your line of sight throughout the visit. In addition, consider carrying a wallet that is small enough to keep on you at all times, and carry just enough cash for your workday (travel, food, etc.). Thefts may still happen from time to time, of course, even when you take precautions. In this case, the VNS Health member took all the right follow-up steps. If your wallet is stolen or lost, contact your credit card companies and bank immediately to avoid identity theft and unauthorized purchases. If you know that your wallet was stolen during a patient or client visit, you should also inform your manager and the police, as this team member did.”
“Someone opened the front passenger door of my car and took my VNS Health bag.”
“While at a gas station, I got out of my car to look for the gas cap opener that had fallen on the pavement. While I was looking for it, someone opened the front passenger door of my car and took my VNS Health bag from the front passenger’s seat. Then the person got in another car and drove away.”
Lauren’s Advice:
“People are always watching, and that includes when you’re stopped at a gas station. When refilling your car’s gas tank, be sure to lock your car doors and keep your keys on you. In fact, it’s a good idea to make a habit of doing this any time you get out of your vehicle, even if you intend to be gone just a short time.”
