A mental health technician was attacked while trying to assist a patient in the Psych Intake area of a West Palm Beach hospital.
The West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD) stated that on Tuesday, an off-duty officer responded to HCA Florida JFK North Hospital after they received an ER Radio call to assist hospital staff with an “unruly” patient.
Upon arrival, the officer learned that the patient was being held in a quiet room due to their violent behavior. Medical staff reported that the patient, who was not wearing clothing, was behaving aggressively both verbally and physically.
The report states that medical staff advised the patient that they needed to enter the room to administer medication, which is when the patient attempted to remove a thermostat from the wall to use as a weapon.
According to officials, the Mental Health Technician, along with the WPBPD officer, stepped forward to create a barrier between the hospital staff and the patient, which is when the patient began saying racial slurs towards the Mental Health professional, leading to the patient punching the Mental Health professional.
In self-defense, the technician struck back at the patient. At this point, the officer intervened and was able to subdue the patient, allowing nurses to administer the needed medication.
Both the Mental Health Technician and the patient suffered injuries, with blood visible on both of their noses.
The patient now faces charges of battery against specified personnel.
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Source: cbs12
