Whidden Hospital Security Officer Karam Hamadeh Honored by International Healthcare Security Organization

Everett, MA – May 25, 2011. Karam Hamadeh, a security shift supervisor at the Whidden Hospital campus of Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), is a recipient of a Medal of Distinction from the International Healthcare Security and Safety Foundation (IHSSF). The award is presented to an individual who, through individual action or initiative, has made a significant and lasting contribution to the healthcare security, safety, and/or risk management professions.

The IHSSF recognized Officer Hamadeh for his heroic response to a call for assistance in August 2010. Upon finding a man unconscious and not breathing in one of the hospital’s parking lots, Officer Hamadeh assessed his vital signs and successfully cleared his airway, returning the man to consciousness. He continued to monitor him while passing on crucial information to emergency responders. Officer Hamadeh’s quick thinking and willingness to aid a victim in distress without reservation helped save the man’s life. 

Officer Hamadeh, an employee of Andrews International contracted by CHA, has become an integral part of the Whidden community since joining the staff in 2009. He was recently chosen to co-instruct a pilot program at CHA titled Training in the Care of the Aggressive Patient Safely, and he also participates in Trauma Informed Care trainings designed to educate officers on how restraints and seclusion can greatly affect the experience and care of patients. 

Officer Hamadeh accepted the award at the 43rd annual meeting of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety on May 24th at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.

Cambridge Health Alliance

is an innovative, award-winning health system that provides high quality care in Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north communities. It includes three hospital campuses, a network of primary care and specialty practices, the Cambridge Public Health Dept., and the Network Health plan. CHA is a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate and is also affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Tufts University School of Medicine. Visit us online at www.challiance.org.

About Andrews International,

headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a full-service provider of security and risk mitigation services with operations throughout the United States and internationally. As the largest privately-held, American-owned security firm, Andrews International employs more than 15,000 security personnel, providing uniformed security, consulting and investigative services, personal protection, special event security, specialized training, and disaster emergency response services. The company is owned by executive and management team members with investment backing from Audax Group. Please visit the Andrews International website at www.andrewsinternational.com.