ED security

[KatieBell]

Just realized last night that this place I am traveling at has no metal detector or screening for security. I've been there about 3 weeks and have seen a few knives smuggled in.

I'm particularly concerned because I worked in an ED that got "shot up" 4 years ago. It freaked me out, but since then I have always worked with Metal detectors- thought it was sort of standard equip for any ED.

I asked someone and was told that the management did not think that installing metal detectors was "worth it"

So, I am wondering what will it take to make it "worth it"?

Also, wanting to do an informal poll-

Does your ED/ER have metal detectors or security screening?

Do you feel confidence in your security guards being able to actually secure anything (One we have is a lovely guy, retired cop who sufferred from CA, now better, but frail...and I love him but can't see him taking down anyone from the local gang).

[ClaireMacl]

I find it amazing the difference between UK and US - in schools as well as hospitals! The only place we see a metal detector is in the airport, that's it.

My ED, we have hospital security who cover the whole place and at times can't be with us. I've had a knife pulled on me before, tho thankfully he didn't want to use it, just to let us know he might kill himself with it *sigh*.

We have alarms everywhere which link to security when we are really in the stick, but you have to wait until someone has located the area its in before help comes. Sometimes I find it easier to call the crash bell when in trouble, everyone runs for that and ours only link to the department and don't put out a proper crash call :)

[vaughanmk]

I work at a childrens hospital so NO adults are allowed into the facility without showing a picture ID to security upon entering the door. We have approx 15 guards on per shift. One sits at the door and another sits at the triage/check in desk with the nurse. In fact they help us out and have the family fill out the paper work late at night if there is only one RN at the desk and they are with another pt. Most of our guards either have other security or police backgrounds or are EMT's.

[steelcityrn, RN]

Security in a emergency room has been a issue as long as there have been E.R.'s. We now have so much technology to help protect us than even 5 years ago. It comes down to money again folks. When the CEO is pulling in more money that your surgeons, and the folks dribbling off of them are making more than you will ever make at a travel job working 100+ hours a week, where will they find the money to protect you????????