Personal safety in the accident and emergency department.

Violence and aggression continues to be a significant problem for staff practising in accident and emergency (A&E) areas. In recent years the number of articles examining factors related to violence and aggression in the A&E department have steadily increased, allowing for a more in-depth examination of data. This article considers the characteristics of individuals who assault A&E staff, introducing the reader to the "recreational fighter", an individual who enjoys and is attracted to violent confrontations. The article goes on to consider the role of gender, alcohol, age and social history in relation to the characteristics of individuals who assault nursing staff practising in A&E and offers a number of strategies for nursing staff to consider when attempting to minimize the risk of personal physical assault.

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