When is Enough Enough?

This past weekend, we had four intoxicated individuals show up in our ED.  Three were accompanying their friend who had a head injury.  All four were drunk, including the patient.  All of them were disorderly, threatening, angry and rude. I find it incredulous each day  as to what our staff is subjected to as they try to care for and treat a growingly ungrateful public.  Drunks are not new to the ED, but those who are abusive and threatening seem to be on the rise.  Our Security officers were assisted by City police officers in dealing with this situation that resulted in two of the four being arrested.  We have no choice in that we cannot turn patients away from the ED, especially one with a head injury.  However, it is important to note that we will have you arrested if you conduct yourself in a manner that is threatening to an already vulnerable staff.  I would be remiss if I didn't thank our Staff and the City Police.  We are so fortunate to have a very responsive City Police Dept and a very dedicated staff.