• Timothy Wand, Nerida Bell, Amanda Stack, Gemma Collett, Alexa Cutten, Margaret Murphy, and Kathryn White.
• Emergency Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
• Emerg Med Australas. 2020 Oct 1; 32 (5): 793-800.

ObjectiveThis multi-site study aimed to give voice to the views and experiences of security staff in assisting with the response to the growing number of people with mental health, drug health and behavioural problems attending EDs.MethodsExplorative qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews were conducted with security staff (n = 26) working in three different emergency settings across New South Wales, Australia. The data were analysed thematically.ResultsParticipants recognised that long waiting times in the ED 'guarding' patients frequently accounted for escalating behaviour and increased the likelihood of restrictive interventions. Security staff expressed concerns about safety and were uncomfortable with a sense of uncertainty regarding their legal position. They voiced frustration over limited communication and lack of information provided by clinical staff on patient background, and the coordination of incidents and ongoing patient care. There was a perception that security staff are not treated with respect and their input was not valued.ConclusionExpecting non-clinicians to undertake a clinical role (often under stressful circumstances involving close patient contact) places security staff and patients in a precarious position. Greater clarity regarding the role of security staff and information that allows them to adequately and safely undertake their work is required. If security staff are expected to participate in patient care then access to relevant information and the ability to document their activities and patient interactions should be provided. The vital support role that security staff perform needs to be valued and respected.© 2020 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

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