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Northeast Georgia Health System adds extra security by training team with virtual reality
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton

Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) has become the first health system in the nation to provide the highest level of safety by training its security team with the Apex Virtual Reality Simulator.


According to a release by the system, the virtual reality simulator is worn on the head, similar to gaming devices, during training and “provides realistic and immersive de-escalation and crisis intervention training” through random scenarios that are very similar to real-life situations. Each simulation has different results and outcomes to each action taken. 


“Our officers are always confronted with new and challenging situations, and this new equipment will help prepare us for all sorts of scenarios,” NGHS Security Director Darrell Townsend said in the release. “We look forward to training our officers with this equipment to provide the highest level of safety for our staff, patients and visitors.” 


According to the release, threats of active shooters and a need for better security has increased in recent years. Because of this, it is important for officers to know how to de-escalate situations before they result in disaster. 


“Our hospitals are now busier than ever,” Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton Security Supervisor Rosetta Wright said in the release. “It can be stressful for families and friends, and we want to make sure we are providing them with the peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to secure their safety.”