Policy on ED violence

Thanks to everyone to replied so far. Just so I'm making myself very clear about the situation and not to make it seem like our local PD isn't helpful, they ARE. They always come when called and beleve me, I won't hesitate to make that call if any staff or other patients feel threatened. My concern is; even a 5 minute response time is too long when there may be a loaded weapon involved.

I've read some information about de-escalating tactics and have some ideas about beefing up what little security we have that won't cost too much (because we all now that's the bottom line) some as simple as re-arranging the furniture in the triage room so that the nurse is closest to the door. I have even asked for a limit to visitors (one per patient) and that all visitors must be verified with the charge nurse prior to admittance. I was truly surprised by the amount of nay-saying I got for that. Fellow charge nurses state "we get enough phone calls".

My opinion is, I'd rather take an extra hundred phone calls a night than risk having to make one trauma call for one of my nurses.

As everything, it's a work in progress.