Addressing Rising Violence in Hospitals
Violence in hospitals has reached alarming levels, necessitating immediate action to protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors. In North Carolina, felony assaults against healthcare workers surged by 7.5% between 2022 and 2023, reflecting a nationwide trend of increasing violence within medical facilities. This troubling statistic highlights a growing concern: healthcare professionals who dedicate their lives to caring for others increasingly find themselves in harm’s way.
Dr. Jennifer Casaletto, an emergency department physician and former president of the North Carolina College of Emergency Physicians, recounts the escalation of violence she has experienced over her career. Initially a rare occurrence, threats and assaults have become a monthly ordeal, contributing significantly to the departure of nurses and doctors from the field.
This surge in violence has led North Carolina hospitals to mandate armed security in emergency departments, a measure supported by healthcare leaders like John Thompson, Vice President of Advocacy for the North Carolina Medical Society. He emphasizes the need for safe working environments for medical staff, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
Recent incidents further illustrate the critical need for enhanced hospital security. At UNC Health Johnston, a deputy was forced to use lethal force when confronted by a man attempting to seize his firearm in the hospital parking lot. This incident, which necessitated a temporary lockdown, underscores the potential for violence even in peripheral areas of hospital campuses. The rapid response by law enforcement and subsequent review by hospital security teams highlights the importance of robust security measures.
MCA’s security solutions are designed to address these pressing challenges. By integrating advanced surveillance systems, access control, and real-time communication technologies, MCA helps create safer hospital environments. Our solutions protect healthcare workers and patients and ensure that hospitals remain secure and operational during critical incidents.
Technology Solutions for Reducing Hospital Violence
Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR)
ALPR systems can significantly enhance security in hospital parking areas by automatically capturing and identifying vehicle license plates. This technology helps monitor and manage vehicle access, ensuring only authorized vehicles enter sensitive areas. It can also alert security personnel to vehicles associated with known threats, protecting hospital staff and visitors.
Avigilon Facial Recognition
Facial recognition technology from Avigilon enhances hospital security by identifying and tracking individuals within the facility. This system can quickly recognize known threats or persons of interest, allowing security personnel to respond promptly. Additionally, facial recognition can streamline access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel enter restricted areas, such as intensive care units and pharmacies.
Orchestrate with TRBO And Avigilon Integration
MCA’s Orchestrate platform integrates with MotoTRBO radios and Avigilon video surveillance systems, creating a seamless communication and security network. This integration allows for real-time coordination between security personnel, rapid incident response, and efficient security operations management. The combined system ensures that hospital staff can quickly communicate and respond to potential threats, enhancing safety.
Motorola Solutions VB400 Body-Worn Cameras
Body-worn cameras, such as the VB400, are essential for documenting hospital interactions and incidents. These cameras provide real-time video streaming and recording, offering valuable evidence in case of disputes or assaults. Hospitals can increase accountability and transparency by equipping security personnel, EMTs, and other staff with body-worn cameras, deter aggressive behavior, and improve safety.
Concealed Weapon Detection and Visible Firearms Detection
CWD systems use advanced sensors and analytics to detect concealed weapons on individuals entering the hospital. Visible firearms detection technology can identify firearms carried openly. Integrating these systems into hospital security protocols ensures that potential threats are identified and addressed before they can escalate, protecting staff and patients from harm.
About MCA
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives.
More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort needed to research, install, and maintain the right solutions to make your workplace better.
Our team of certified professionals across the United States delivers a full suite of reliable technologies with a service-first approach. The MCA advantage is our extensive service portfolio to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish.
