What Every Security Guard Should Learn
If you are thinking of a career in being a security guard, it is important to realize that this job is a lot more physically demanding than other occupations. Typical physical requirements include: good height, strong arm, and aerobic capacity. Hand and eye coordination are also required. Most security guards are on the heavy side; although they can be placed in lighter positions if needed. Typical physical requirements for those working as a security guard include:
On-location training is one of the basic requirements for security guards to become self employed. Typical on-location training includes classes on basic first aid techniques and CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation). Security guards must also complete state and/or federal training, which will typically include specific training on weapons usage. Once security guards have received formal training in the use of their weapons, they will need to undergo further training in their specific areas of responsibility.
After on-location training, security guards must pass the Security Guard Intensive Examination, which assesses both their knowledge and proficiency with a number of job-related tasks. This examination, which is administered by the National Association of Security Guard insiders, is broken down into three major sections. Each section requires security guards to demonstrate a specific level of knowledge and experience. Security guards may take the test multiple times. Security guards will typically have to take the Intensive Study Test (IDS) once before they will be considered for certification.
Other than the security guard training, security guards must also be proficient in communication and criminal law. Often, criminal lawyers are involved in security guards’ employment due to the sensitive nature of their work. Due to these considerations, security guards must be fluent in both English and legal terminology. Security guards must know how to react to emergencies such as shooting or stabbing incidents as well as how to behave in dangerous or potentially hazardous situations. For instance, if a person is choking a person with his hands, the security guard must be able to apply appropriate force without causing bodily injury.
One of the most important sections of security guard training that security guards need to know how to do is CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation). This skill plays an essential role in saving lives. If someone is having a heart attack or drowning, security guards can help them by manually performing CPR, which includes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and mouth-to-mouth breathing. However, it is the duty of a security guard to know how to perform CPR for non-emergency cases such as fainting. It is also crucial for security guards to know how to perform an AED (automated external defibrillator) when dealing with cardiac arrest or respiratory trauma.
Another skill that all security guards must learn is how to use the body’s physical barriers. These include barriers such as desks, doors, windows, walls, fences and parking lots. In addition to learning how to use physical barriers, security guards need to know how to deal with suspicious individuals or suspicious circumstances.
Lastly, all personnel in a security agency need to know how to remain calm at all times. There are times when security is a major issue and people may become angry. Guards must learn how to de-escalate any type of stress. They also need to know how to use body language and nonverbal communication to better convey what they need and what the client wants.
The topics mentioned in this article are just some of the many subjects that security guard training must cover. There are numerous other skills that all personnel in a security agency need to know. These include memorization, decision-making, judgment, cooperation, time management and many others. Taking the time to learn these skills will make guards much more effective and productive in their jobs.