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HALIFAX, NS – A violent attack at The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) has reignited concerns about security in hospitals, as a patient stabbed and assaulted multiple healthcare workers inside the emergency department.
Suspect Arrested After Injuring Four
Nicholas Robert Coulombe, 32, has been charged with:
- One count of attempted murder
- Three counts of assault with a weapon
- Two counts of aggravated assault
- Two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
The attack occurred on Wednesday at 1 p.m., when Halifax police responded to reports of a man with a knife in the emergency room.
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Authorities say Coulombe—who was receiving care at the hospital—stabbed two hospital workers and injured two others by throwing objects at them. One victim sustained serious injuries.
Police arrested the suspect at 1:10 p.m., without further incident.
Healthcare Workers Call for Enhanced Security Measures
Following the attack, healthcare professionals and union leaders are demanding stronger security protocols to prevent future incidents.
Sandra Mullen, President of the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU), emphasized that security risks have been a longstanding issue at the hospital.
“We conducted a report in 2023 and made security recommendations—this was our number one priority,” Mullen stated.
Recommended security improvements include:
✔ Wearable panic devices for emergency room staff
✔ More support staff in waiting areas
✔ Properly trained security officers stationed in high-risk areas
✔ A separate waiting area for mental health patients
After Wednesday’s incident, Mullen has pushed for the addition of metal detectors in emergency departments, stating that long wait times can lead to heightened tensions and potentially dangerous situations.
Health Officials and Law Enforcement Respond
Karen Oldfield, Interim CEO of Nova Scotia Health, confirmed that authorities are considering adding portable metal detectors and stationing police officers in the emergency department.
“We need a solution that works in a high-intensity, fast-moving ER without creating further delays,” Oldfield explained.
In addition, Health PEI has reaffirmed its commitment to workplace safety by implementing:
- Infrastructure improvements for security
- Increased security presence in high-risk areas
- Ongoing staff training on crisis response
- Faster intervention strategies for handling violent incidents
The police, Nova Scotia Health’s security team, Occupational Health and Safety, and Paladin Security (the hospital’s contracted security firm) have all launched investigations into the incident to determine what additional safety measures need to be implemented.
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