NCJ Number
147640
Journal
Modern Healthcare Volume: 22 Issue: 40 Dated: (October 5, 1992) Pages: 40,44
Date Published
1992
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the need for security measures to counter the increasing violence in hospital emergency rooms (ER's) and describes security measures in a number of hospital ER's.
Abstract
In addition to accidents and other daily medical emergencies, a growing number of injuries caused by drugs, alcohol, gang violence, and domestic quarrels are spilling over into hospital emergency departments. The high levels of stress and long waits for treatment common in most ER departments often exacerbate the anger and frustration. The Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas redesigned its ER department in 1991 to accommodate patient traffic and make the department more secure. Entrance doors have been placed at angles to the street and less glass has been used to limit the danger of drive-by shootings by gang members. A walk-through metal detector is used to detect weapons. Everyone is screened by an armed guard, and any weapons detected are confiscated. Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit also uses a walk-through metal detector. Security guards are armed and well-trained in the proper use of their weapons. The 90-member security staff receives training appropriate for each task. Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City trains hospital personnel to be alert to signs of trouble. Mount Sinai also uses a crisis response team composed of a psychiatrist, a psychiatric nurse, security officers, and administration representatives.