As outlined in our Breaking Point report, emergency clinicians have long called for every ED to have dedicated, funded ED security officers who are specifically trained for healthcare settings, skilled in de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed communication, employed as part of the ED clinical team and available 24/7.
Currently, hospitals across NSW have varying access to security. While metropolitan hospitals are more likely to have security stationed at the ED, rural and regional EDs disproportionately rely on hospital-wide arrangements which may not be available at times of crisis.
ACEM NSW Branch Chair Dr Rachael Gill said: “Today’s announcement is welcome news, and something we have strongly advocated for. Placing dedicated security officers in the emergency departments of 27 hospitals is a significant step, and emergency doctors and nurses across NSW will be pleased to see it.
“The College is grateful that the NSW Government has listened to emergency clinicians.
“Violence in the ED is dangerous for staff, and it is dangerous for the patients around them who are trying to get care.
“Prevention is the best protection, but when a situation escalates, staff need help immediately.
“Many EDs rely on hospital-wide security, which means officers may not know the department, its patients or its staff. Dedicated ED security officers who work side-by-side with clinicians are always there, can step in early to prevent incidents and respond quickly when they do happen.
“Healthcare is a specialised environment. Nurses, doctors and other staff are trained for the setting they work in, and security officers should be too.
“Bed block and overcrowding are some of the primary drivers of ED violence. They can also exacerbate agitation in the ED stemming from a medical or psychiatric condition, such as delirium, withdrawal, intoxication or an acute mental health crisis. Clinicians should lead the response, with security in support. Sometimes what’s needed is clinical care, not a security intervention.
“The next step will be ensuring these roles are set up well and extended to every NSW ED. That means officers who are trained for healthcare, skilled in de-escalation, part of the ED clinical team and available around the clock.”
Background:
ACEM is the peak body for emergency medicine in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, responsible for training emergency physicians and advancement of professional standards. www.acem.org.au
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