Three attacks against Baton Rouge, La.-based medical professionals by patients have been reported over the past two weeks, according to local news source The Advocate.
A 20-year-old Baton Rouge man was arrested Dec. 5 after allegedly punching a nurse and striking him in the face with a plastic fork, according to an arrest report cited by The Advocate. The nurse, an employee of an unnamed Baton Rouge facility, was taken to the hospital, and the patient was arrested on battery of a healthcare professional charges.
At Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, a 39-year-old woman was arrested Dec. 3 after allegedly battering two medical technicians, according to an arrest report. She was charged with battery of emergency room personnel.
On Nov. 28, a 36-year-old patient allegedly punched a paramedic in the face after being transported to OLOL following a car crash. The woman was charged with battery of emergency room personnel.
Violence of any kind is not tolerated at any OLOL locations, Trey Williams, a spokesperson for the health system, said in a statement cited by The Advocate. He added that the system always encourages staff to press charges when possible.
The recent attacks follow a string of violence reported this spring at Baton Rouge healthcare facilities. In April, a 56-year-old nurse died from injuries linked to a patient attack at Baton Rouge General Medical Center's Mid City campus.