Baptist Health System nurses have been learning how to better prepare for possible human trafficking incidents should they spot one by engaging in classes provided at the hospital since last summer.

Baptist Health System chief executive nurse Kristen Lemus explained to KSAT how a local expert arrived at the hospital to instruct employees on properly identifying sex trafficking and numerous signs to watch for. Health care professionals are often the first line of defense for human trafficking victims.

Employees learned to monitor signs of pelvic pain, assault or sexually transmitted diseases in admitted patients. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also released its own list advising to watch out for bruising, scars, urinary difficulties, pregnancy, disorientation or panic attacks. 

The National Human Trafficking Hotline in Texas reported there were 1,000 human trafficking incidents in the state in 2018, a dramatic increases from 811 in 2017 and 681 in 2016.

Lemus said there will be additional training meetings in the future.