When church leaders think about security in their church building, the focus often falls on protection from crime and violence. While preparing for these threats is important, there is another security issue that is far more likely to occur: a medical emergency. Ensuring that your church design incorporates the ability to handle these more likely emergencies is important to the safety and well-being of your congregation.

Understanding Categories of Church Security

Security in churches is a broad term that encompasses various concerns. While burglary, theft, and vandalism are threats, churches must also be aware of issues such as fraud, financial security breaches, abuse (physical, sexual, and verbal), and even arson. According to studies, over the past two decades, there have been approximately 1,800 deadly force incidents in churches, 5,000 church burglaries per year, and around 7,500 thefts occurring in open church hours. The average cost per theft in churches is around $2,000, making security a necessary investment.

While violent crime in churches does occur, these incidents are statistically fewer. Reports indicate that only around 2,400 violent crimes happen in churches annually. This number is significantly lower than the prevalence of medical emergencies, which should prompt church leaders to reassess their security priorities.

The Higher Likelihood of Medical Emergencies in Churches

The statistics on medical emergencies in churches might surprise you. Each year, the U.S. sees approximately:

  • 795,000 strokes
  • 790,000 heart attacks
  • 325,000 concussions

Comparing these numbers to those above of violent crimes in churches underscores the importance of preparing for medical incidents. In urban areas, it can take an average of 7 minutes or more for an ambulance to arrive. In rural areas, the time is much longer. In an emergency, every second counts. It’s a good idea for churches to have trained people available, as well as the necessary equipment to respond effectively should a medical emergency occur.

Preparing Your Church for Medical Emergencies

Here are some steps for church leaders to consider so their church building is ready to handle medical emergencies:

Train a Safety Team – Designate volunteers or staff members who are CPR-certified and trained to handle emergencies until professional medical help arrives.

  1. Install First Aid Stations – Strategically place first aid kits and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the church building for quick access.
  2. Create an Emergency Action Plan – Establish clear procedures for responding to medical emergencies, including designated individuals responsible for calling emergency services and guiding medical personnel.
  3. Include Accessibility in Church Design – Ensure that your church design will accommodate emergency responses, such as providing clear signage, wide aisles, and ramps for easy stretcher access.
  4. Conduct Regular Drills – Schedule emergency preparedness drills for staff and volunteers to practice responding to medical situations efficiently.

By prioritizing medical emergency preparation, churches can create a safer environment for all who enter. While The McKnight Group doesn’t represent that we are security and safety experts, we do include consideration for it in our church designs. We’ll talk about our experiences and best practices over the next several blog posts.

Meanwhile, we invite you to explore our list of free i3 webinars, where we discuss important topics related to church design and church building, including safety and security. Visit our website to sign up today!