Emergency Department Violence Stories

An upset family member was asked to leave the treatment area because they were interfering with patient care. The family member responded by lunging at staff and security.

Hospital leaders asked the physician to apologize to the family and follow the family’s treatment ideas instead of the physician's plan. It felt like administrators had no concern about the safety of their staff and no respect for the physician’s expertise.

It seems acceptable to physically assault others in the hospital. This behavior is unacceptable outside the hospital and would likely lead to charges.

- An emergency physician from New York