There have been several high-profile acts of violence
involving deadly weapons in United States (US) emergency
departments (EDs) within the past decade .
A 2012 Crime and Security Trends Survey reported a
37% increase in violent crime within health care
organizations from 2010 to 2012 . The International
Association for Healthcare Security reported in 2010
that the greatest number of physical assaults against
health care providers occurred in EDs . A 2011 survey
of ED physicians confirmed the high prevalence of assault,
reporting that 78% had experienced at least one
act of violence within the workplace .