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Security in pediatric emergency departments
1Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock 72202, USA.
Insights
Pediatric emergency departments (EDs) face increasing violence. A survey revealed varied security measures, with most facilities not implementing all recommended practices for enhanced safety.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Security
- Pediatric Care
Background:
- Violence in emergency departments (EDs) is a growing concern.
- Ensuring adequate security in pediatric EDs is crucial for patient and staff safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and analyze the current security measures implemented in pediatric EDs across the United States.
- To identify disparities in security protocols and adherence to recommended guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was conducted with security directors of 42 large children's hospitals in the U.S.
- A detailed questionnaire focused on various ED security aspects, including staffing, technology, and incident reporting.
Main Results:
- 62.5% of pediatric EDs have 24-hour security presence; 32.5% of officers carry firearms.
- 92.5% utilize alarm systems, but only 15% have direct phone lines to security.
- 17.5% use bullet-resistant glass, 35% have controlled access; no ED uses universal metal detectors.
- 35% reported firearm-related incidents in the past year.
Conclusions:
- Security measures in pediatric EDs are inconsistent and often fall short of recommended standards.
- There is a significant need for standardized and comprehensive security strategies to address ED violence effectively.
Abstract:
With increasing emergency department (ED) violence, security in pediatric EDs is an important concern. The objective of this study was to document current security measures taken in pediatric EDs in the United States. A telephone survey of the security director or designee in the 42 children's hospitals in the United States with over 150 beds was performed. A questionnaire focusing on ED security was administered. Two hospitals declined to participate. In 62.5% of EDs surveyed, a security officer is present in the ED 24 hours/day. Hospital security officers carry firearms in 32.5% of hospitals surveyed. Most (92.5%) EDs have an alarm system or "panic button" which alerts central security; but only 15% have a direct phone from the ED to security. Seven EDs (17.5%) use bullet-resistant glass, and 14 EDs (35%) have controlled access. No ED reported universal metal detector screening. Fourteen directors (35%) reported having had a firearm-related incident in their ED in the past year. In spite of the relatively common nature of ED violence, security measures in pediatric EDs are varied, with most EDs not using all measures recommended by the American College of Emergency Physicians.