PHILADELPHIA, PA – A visit to the emergency room turned violent when a patient assaulted several hospital staff members. Some of the victims of the violent attack included a nurse and a security guard at Temple University Hospital- Episcopal Campus. The assailant managed to get hold of a used hypodermic needle during the fray, resulting in multiple injuries among the hospital crew.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department, the aggressive patient was first engaged by a nurse who was preparing to administer treatment. The patient fought back, knocking away the hypodermic needle, which ended up piercing a security guard in the arm. Another hospital employee who attempted to intervene was stabbed twice in the forearm with the used needle.
Despite the continued struggle, the violent patient attempted to stab another staff member in the face, who narrowly avoided harm. In the ensuing chaos, two more hospital staff were injured, one of whom, a nurse, lost consciousness during the incident.
Philadelphia Police Department’s Chief Inspector Scott Small described it as a “dangerous situation”. Luckily, the four injured individuals are reported to be in stable condition.
In an official statement, Temple Health assured the public of their commitment to the safety of their employees, patients, and visitors.
The belligerent patient currently faces numerous charges, including assault and recklessness endangerment. No other patients in the hospital at the time were injured. The identity of the suspect has yet to be disclosed by the police.