By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Two emergency department staff members at Provident Hospital of Cook County in Chicago were injured in an attack, WGN9 reports. The suspect approached a 56-year-old staff member, stabbed him in the chest with a sharp object, and injured another staff member.  

The hospital went into lockdown for a few hours. Both victims are in stable condition, with one receiving treatment at the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to WGN9. The suspect was quickly detained by hospital security. No additional details were released. 

With the uptick in violence in healthcare facilities, having security personnel, weapon detection systems and lockdown capabilities in place becomes tantamount to keeping occupants safe. 

Related: Geisinger Finds Success with Violence Prevention Efforts

For example, Lee Memorial Hospital has an AI-based weapon detection security system that utilizes sensors, cameras and screens, WINK News reports. It is designed to detect several firearms and medium-sized knives, alongside other weaponry, in real-time.  

Once a healthcare facility’s system detects a weapon, security personnel can be dispatched to handle the individual who has the weapon on them and neutralize any potential threat. 

Meanwhile, the healthcare facility can also use access controls to help lock down the premises to keep the armed individual from fleeing and to keep occupants from crossing paths with them.  

“In the case of a violent incident, access control systems can go into lockdown mode,” Kyle Pfeiffer, industry solutions leader – healthcare at SALTO Systems, previously told Healthcare Facilities Today. “Localized lockdowns can be activated by authorized staff, or remotely by administrators, immediately locking down specific doors, buildings or an entire facility.” 

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