Deadly hospital hostage standoff sparks urgent calls for better healthcare worker protection
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"When are the hospitals going to realize this is a dangerous rising trend? We need workplace safety immediately." - criticalcarenow
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Over the past weekend, UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, PA, became the site of a tragic shooting and hostage situation. The assailant, 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, entered the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU) armed with a pistol and zip ties. He took several staff members hostage, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement. []
Related: Unsafe haven: The rise of violence against physicians in the workplaceDuring the exchange, Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was fatally shot, and Archangel-Ortiz was killed by responding officers. Additionally, five individuals—including two police officers, a doctor, a nurse, and a custodian—sustained injuries but are reported to be in stable condition. Authorities revealed that Archangel-Ortiz had recent contact with the ICU due to a medical situation involving a loved one, which may have motivated his actions.[]
Violence against healthcare workers
This incident underscores a growing concern: the increasing prevalence of workplace violence against healthcare professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2011 to 2018, healthcare workers experienced 156 workplace homicides, averaging about 20 each year.[]
"When are the hospitals going to realize this is a dangerous rising trend? We need workplace safety immediately," said one social media user (criticalcarenow).
Notably, healthcare and social assistance workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees in other industries, accounting for 73% of all nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence.[]
"Our hospital said that metal detectors are too costly. So they hired a K-9 dog to patrol around the hospital with public safety. I hope he can smell knives and guns," said another social media user (jerinikki75).
The rising threats have prompted hospitals to enhance security measures, including the implementation of metal detectors and visitor screenings. Experts emphasize the importance of training healthcare staff to recognize and report early warning signs of potential violence as a crucial step in prevention.[]