Focus: Security

Keeping patients and staff safe without armed security

Scientific American opinion piece recommends eliminating armed police, guards in emergency rooms


There is  good evidence to suggest that guns shouldn’t float around the emergency room, according to an opinion piece on the Scientific American website. 

Data show that increasing the carriage of weapons doesn’t correlate with a decrease in hospital violence. In fact, 23 percent of emergency department shootings involve someone attempting to take a weapon from a security officer.

Still, hospitals continue to arm their guards. A 2014 survey reported that security officers carry handguns in 52 percent of hospital institutions, while 47 percent use Tasers. 

That’s almost four times estimates found in similar studies from 2011—just three years before. This presence of armed police—who rarely receive training to work in medical settings or instruction on de-escalation tactics—changes the tenor of conflict in the emergency room, the article said.

Read the article.



July 17, 2020


Topic Area: Security


Recent Posts

Site Selection Mistakes: What Not To Do

Healthcare providers that treat site selection as a strategic decision, not a simple real estate deal, will be positioned for long-term success.


High-Performance EFCO Systems Shape MUSC's New Black River Medical Center

Case study: A sweeping curved-glass entrance, impact-resistant envelope and energy-efficient fenestration support a sustainable, resilient design for one of South Carolina’s newest rural hospitals.


Heritage Valley Health System to Officially Affiliate with Alleghany Health Network

With the affiliation now complete, Heritage Valley Beaver and Heritage Valley Sewickley will be rebranded.


The Impact of Acoustics on Patient Privacy

As healthcare facilities evolve toward more open and flexible care environments, acoustic privacy has become essential.


Texas Behavioral Health Center in Dallas Opens with Ribon-Cutting Ceremony

The 456,265-square-foot facility offers a variety of therapeutic, recreational and social spaces that prepare patients for life outside the hospital.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.