BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Patients arriving at the emergency room at Viera Hospital face tough new security measures after a patient took her own life with a gun hidden in her belongings.
The incident happened Sunday morning when the woman was moved into the intensive care unit. Deputies said while she was in her hospital room, she removed a gun hidden in her belongings and killed herself.
The woman’s name has not been released.
On Monday, a union spokesman for Brevard County firefighters told Channel 9’s Angela Jacobs that the incident is raising serious questions about how to best protect first responders and hospital staff.
On @WFTV @BCPFF2969 wants to help Fire Dept. & hospitals w safety protocols after patient takes life @VieraHospital pic.twitter.com/FIfPuxeeqK
— Angela Jacobs WFTV (@AngelaJacobsTV) March 13, 2017
“When dealing with emergencies, however, it’s understood that new situations may emerge and that’s why policy formation is a very dynamic activity,” said Don Slayman, from IAFF Local 2969.
The Brevard County fire chief said the incident is under review.
Health First, the owner of Viera Hospital, said it is conducting its own investigation and immediately added security measures for patients arriving via ambulance.
Slayman said the union will do whatever is needed to help both law enforcement and local hospitals find the next steps to take. "We are confident a cooperative effort between all affected parties will lead to a policy that will keep everyone safe," he said.
Channel 9 has contacted both Orlando Health and Florida Hospital to inquire about their policies in these types of situations. However, the hospital systems have not responded to our inquiry.
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