America’s hospitals are under siege—not from disease, but from violence. Healthcare workers face an alarming surge in assaults, with nurses, doctors, and security personnel on the front lines of an escalating crisis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare professionals are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in any other industry. Gang-related incidents, domestic disputes spilling into emergency rooms, and armed intruders targeting facilities have turned hospitals into battlegrounds.
Meanwhile, understaffed security teams, lax enforcement of access controls, and limited legislative protections expose employees dangerously. The consequences? Skyrocketing turnover, rising insurance costs, and compromised patient care. Yet, too many hospital executives hesitate to invest in robust security measures, fearing financial strain on staff safety. This crisis demands urgent action—proactive risk management, stronger policies, and genuine investment in security intelligence—before hospitals become the next soft target in America’s growing wave of violence.
On February 22, 2025, a tragic event unfolded at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, that unfortunately illustrates the volatility that lies beneath the surface of many healthcare facilities across the United States.
Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, 49, entered the hospital's intensive care unit armed with a pistol and zip ties. He took several staff members hostage, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement. During the incident, Officer Andrew Duarte of the West York Borough Police Department was fatally shot, and five others, including hospital staff and officers, sustained injuries before Archangel-Ortiz was killed by responding officers. Investigations revealed that Archangel-Ortiz had recently lost a loved one in the ICU, which may have precipitated his actions. Physician assistant Lester Mendoza, who had interacted with Archangel-Ortiz before the incident, told the New York Post that the assailant was "broken" by grief, highlighting the profound impact of personal loss and the potential consequences of inadequate mental health support.
“Workplace violence continues to be the number one physical threat facing healthcare. The number and severity of violent incidents continue to climb across all areas of healthcare, including hospitals, community care sites, behavioral health, and home care,” explains David Corbin, CPP, CHPA, the owner and principal consultant for Dynamic Security Strategies, LLC.
The recent shooting and hostage situation at the Pennsylvania healthcare facility is part of a broader pattern of increasing violence within U.S. healthcare settings. Data from the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS) indicates a rise in violent crimes in healthcare facilities, from 1.4 incidents per 100 beds in 2019 to 2.5 in 2021. Simple assaults also increased from 10.9 to 17.7 per 100 beds during the same period. Notably, 73% of aggravated assaults and 86% of simple assaults were perpetrated by non-employees, emphasizing the external threats faced by healthcare workers.
Corbin says staff training is “one of the best returns on investment for mitigating risk in healthcare.”
“This is particularly true regarding de-escalation and workplace violence prevention/mitigation. Empowering staff through training leads to improved confidence and increased perception of safety and helps to mitigate the risk of serious injuries from workplace violence. But notice that I didn’t say that de-escalation prevents workplace violence. I have not seen any research that has reached this conclusion,” he adds.
Corbin explains that de-escalation training is usually implemented using a combination of online and in-person training, depending on the risk level and department/specialty.
“However, I think of training delivery as follows: Online training is good; in-person training is better; in-person training with scenario-based simulation training is best,” he says. “Also, training must be ongoing, using micro-learning, regular reminders, and simulation opportunities between re-certifications.”
The U.S. healthcare system's current challenges may exacerbate these issues. The American College of Surgeons report highlights a 160% increase in employer healthcare costs over the past two decades, averaging about $14,000 per employee. This financial strain contributes to systemic pressures, potentially impacting the quality of care and workplace safety.
Most healthcare security professionals emphasize that addressing violence in healthcare settings necessitates a multifaceted approach, including enhanced security measures, comprehensive mental health support for patients and staff, and systemic reforms to alleviate the underlying pressures within the healthcare system.
“The most effective healthcare partnership is when clinical and security staff collaborate. This is especially true regarding workplace violence prevention and mitigation. Some of the most effective U.S. programs leverage engaged, innovative security leaders and clinicians leading the workplace violence program. Security and clinical leadership can’t win this battle alone. The closer the collaboration, the better,” concludes Corbin.
