By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

A man was charged with felony threats of violence and two counts of domestic assault after allegedly assaulting his sister and pulling a gun on her at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota, Press & News reports. The incident led to a lockdown at the facility. The man reportedly took his sister’s legally carried handgun, hit her and threatened to shoot her before placing the weapon outside the room. He was later arrested and is being held on $30,000 bail. 

Having methods to control violent incidents like this within healthcare facilities is critical. Tools such as access control and connected security devices can help mitigate or contain violence. 

Related Content: 3 Benefits of Access Control Technology in Healthcare

Access controls enable healthcare facility managers to restrict or lock down specific areas of a building, helping to isolate threats. This capability is crucial in healthcare facilities due to vulnerable patients and staff being primary targets of aggression. Lockdowns implemented by access controls allow facility managers more control over how they secure their buildings. 

Lockdowns reinforce the building so that threats can’t venture into other areas of the facility or escape. This assists security officers with locating, addressing and neutralizing the situation before it can escalate further. 

Albany Medical Center experienced a lockdown in March 2023 when a patient threatened staff with weapons after locking himself in a room with his mother, as Healthcare Facilities Today previously reported on. The lockdown lasted for five hours, however, the hospital said that patient care continued despite the emergency room being locked down. Police were able to negotiate with the patient, later taking him into their custody with no one being harmed. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.