We are aware that a patient’s safety is always at the forefront of every care decision inside a pharmacy.
But what about the safety of those who take care of the patients?
Pharmacy robberies have been seen as dangerous situations from who work in drug stores to those crimes usually committed and connected to acquire narcotics.
The article published by Pharmacy Practice and Business says that pharmacy robberies are considered one of the most severe forms of criminal activity in Canada. Carrying a severe weightless than only homicides and certain forms of sexual assault.
In the wake of national opioid crisis, the safety of pharmacists, clients, and workers, has been discussed more frequently.
Lyona Lunter (Professor, Technician and Community Pharmacy Assistant Program)
That’s what Lyona Lunter, Professor of the Pharmacy Technician program at Fanshawe College, is trying to explain to her students in classes, and anticipating this kind of problem they may face.
“We had such an amazing presentation done by London Police Service during our class. Our students are going out to placements in their second term and they have been learning all about security too.”
Lunter believes that, unfortunately, no single solution exists to solve the problem of pharmacy robberies, but tips are important to guarantee the safety.
“Definitely not chasing. So, here is a bag, would you like a bag with all these drugs that you are taking? As well as, be as calm as you can, and try to remember whatever parts of that person, how tall they are related to yourself, what color of clothing they are wearing or any markings on that clothing. Those are the things that London Police service said about saving the day.”
GPS tracker
Technology has been a great ally to help finding these thieves.
“Now they are using GPS trackers to help police find the products. It is a new thing in pharmacies. So, they are able to track and catch the person.”
Jeff Robb, from Turner Drugs
Jeff Robb, from Turner Drugs, unfortunately, experienced the situation of being robbed.
“We are in a really poor area. In my case, two men burst in the store carrying a pillowcase, looked they were trick or treating and they just said ‘give me your drugs, give me your drugs, give me your drugs’…”
But Robb hurled his druggist’s spatula at them and screamed to get out of his drug store. Which they did.
“I know that wasn’t a quite of traditional way to defend my store, but it certainly got my adrenaline going. I explained to the police officer what I had done and he said that it wasn’t the brightest move, but I got the job done and nobody injured.”
It may be impossible to completely prevent robberies, but the article published by Pharmacy Practice and Business also explains how pharmacists can take certain measures to reduce the risk of conflict during a robbery.
It is recommended to team up with your local police service, harden your pharmacy with cameras and GPS tracker, or even develop a robbery response plan. Following simple rules can help protect everyone involved from harm.
