Just over a year after Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) implemented sweeping security upgrades in response to rising violence against health care workers, hospital staff and patients say they feel significantly safer.

The changes were sparked by a close call in April 2024, when an emergency department triage nurse encountered a patient with a four-inch switchblade. That incident, described as a “tipping point” by Emergency Department Nurse Manager Kristen Schieman, RN, led to immediate action: the installation of a metal detector at the ED entrance and a clear bag policy for all patients and visitors.

“If things had been a little different, the nurse could have been stabbed to death before anyone could have gotten to her,” Schieman said. “That moment made it clear something had to change.”

Since then, the metal detector has flagged thousands of potentially dangerous items, including:

• 3,940 knives
• 191 tasers
• 27 guns
• 223 canisters of mace
• 759 flammable items
• 458 pieces of contraband or paraphernalia

Items found at the entrance can either be returned to vehicles or stored in secure lockers beside the checkpoint.

“These changes make me feel safer,” said Burt Heath, an ED technician. “Assaults on health care workers happen far too frequently. This helps reduce that risk.”

The security measures have not only reassured staff — they’ve made a measurable impact on patient satisfaction. Press Ganey surveys show that the percentage of patients who reported feeling safe and secure in CVMC’s emergency department rose from 75.49% to 83.43% since the policies were implemented.

“Even if it’s just taking a pocketknife back to your car, that small step can give our nurses one more second of safety,” said ED Medical Director Dr. Benjamin Smith. “That trade-off is worth it.”

CVMC’s efforts extend beyond security hardware. Leaders have built stronger ties with local prosecutors and victim advocates, ensuring staff who experience violence have a direct line of communication and support. Hospital staff say this partnership has helped prosecutors better understand the scope of violence facing front-line medical workers.

State lawmakers have also responded. In April, Gov. Phil Scott signed H.259, a bill aimed at reducing workplace violence in hospitals — legislation backed by University of Vermont Health Network clinical staff.

“The bill isn’t perfect, but it’s a step forward,” said Schieman. “It shows this issue matters.”

The initiative is part of a broader UVM Health Network push to improve workplace safety across Vermont and northern New York. Metal detectors and clear bag policies are also in place at UVM Medical Center in Burlington, while Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, N.Y., has enhanced security access, upgraded communication tools, increased staffing, and established trauma response support for affected staff.

“This is one of the last places in our society where everyone mixes,” said Dr. Smith. “People from every background, in crisis, in pain, in fear. We have to make that environment safe again.”

This news story was sourced from a CVMC press release.