---
title: "Security at MGH"
url: https://mghmclean.org/residents/handbk/part1/secure.htm
description: "1. At triage : to escort the patient to a holding room, secured waiting or to a room with restraints. It is often preferable to wait until security has arrived at triage to tell a..."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
---

# Security at MGH

Published 2026-08-10

PART 3 / CH 14

Alexa Bagnell

· Call **726-2121** for help in any situation.

· If unable to speak freely, ask them to send “Dr. Johnson”

Situations in which security is absolutely necessary

1. *At triage*: to escort the patient to a holding room, secured waiting or to a room with restraints. It is often preferable to wait until security has arrived at triage to tell a patient about restraints, especially if the patient seems agitated or psychotic.

2. *Escorting patient from APS clinic to ER triage*: for example, in the case of a suicidal, homicidal, intoxicated or psychotic patient who is not safely contained in the clinic.

3. *Escalating patient*: requiring chemical and or physical restraint.

4. *Bathroom privileges*: patient in holding room, secured waiting, or restraints who needs to use the rest room.

5. Paranoid or psychotic patient: *if you feel unsafe* interviewing or examining the patient alone.

Situations in which security may call

· Sometimes security will ask for assistance in patient triage. One example is the patient who becomes angry or violent while on another service in the emergency room.

· Security’s options include escorting the patient out of the hospital, arresting the patient, or bringing the patient to APS for evaluation.

· Patients at risk for suicide, homicide or inability to care for self should be evaluated by APS.

· When in doubt, err on the side of evaluating the patient.