@article{ref1,
title="Public perception of safety and metal detectors in an urban emergency department",
journal="American journal of emergency medicine",
year="1997",
author="McNamara, R. and Yu, D. K. and Kelly, J. J.",
volume="15",
number="1",
pages="40-42",
abstract="Violence within the emergency department (ED) is an area of concern for both the staff and public. Emergency physicians and nurses express a great deal of concern for their personal safety. The use of weapons in events occurring in the ED has prompted a call for the widespread use of metal detectors. The use of these devices can meet with resistance regarding concerns over the creation of a bad image. This study examined the opinion of the public as to personal safety in an urban ED and sought public opinion regarding the use of a metal detector. Although the majority of the 303 persons surveyed felt safe (75%) in the ED and were satisfied with the level of security (68%), two thirds reported they would feel better if a metal detector was in use. Women were more likely than men to prefer the use of a metal detector. A small percentage (11%) of the public reported a fear of being physically harmed in the ED. Concerns about the potential for a negative image caused by use of a metal detector do not appear warranted in this urban ED.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0735-6757",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}