Survey Finds ER Doctors Want More Security Measures

Survey Finds ER Doctors Want More Security Measures

ER doctors say they are dealing with more patient assaults and would recommend more security measures to increase employee safety.

A survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians claims most doctors believe emergency room violence is increasing.

Nearly half of the doctors surveyed said the hospital could help out more by adding more security, cameras, and metal detectors. 

A longtime ER doctor in Lexington, Ky. told WKYT that he has been the victim of physical and verbal assaults before. 

"I've been assaulted," Dr. Ryan Stanton said. "I've been kicked, I've been punched. I've been threatened."

Training for hospital staff is made available so that they can protect themselves.

"There's a thing we learn," Stanton said. "There's things we know how to address. There's training done with the staff. We learn never to let someone between you and the door, to always have an exit."

Expert opinions from the survey said that the best way to circumvent violence in emergency departments was to learn de-escalation methods, design considerations such as creating lines of sight, enhanced access control and creating better communications methods between patients, staff and administration. 

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.