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Emergency Department Violence Stories

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He threatened staff, kicked holes in the wall

A 17-year old was waiting for inpatient psychiatric placement. He became agitated and threatened the staff, kicking multiple holes in the wall. Police would not arrest him and he ended up staying in the ED for multiple days until he was stabilized and discharged back to his family.

- An emergency physician from Utah

Pulled out a gun

A patient who was boarding in the hallway pulled out a gun and pointed it at staff.

Violent after seven days boarding

My colleagues are regularly assaulted.

He bit a nurse

My patient spit on and punched staff and had to be restrained even before a basic medical screening.

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