Close Call in Local Clinic

An observant receptionist may have saved a patient's life this week at a local clinic. When a couple entered the clinic, the receptionist noticed that the male was angrily speaking to his female companion. As they waited in the patient area, she noticed that the male went out to the car and returned wearing a padded camouflage vest even though it was a warm day.

The man didn't say much as they waited and then went with his girlfriend to the examining room when her name was called. As they walked by, the receptionist heard him mutter something about his companion's sister and how she'd better not "butt in" anymore.

A few minutes later, a woman rushed in and asked the receptionist to be allowed to go in with her sister. The receptionist asked the woman to wait in the lobby and she would check with the doctor. The receptionist then buzzed the nurse who was with the patient, explained briefly, and asked her if the patient's male companion still seemed agitated. The nurse told her yes, and since the patient had been crying when she entered, she had asked the man to wait in the hallway. The nurse told the receptionist that he was pacing and still seemed very angry. The nurse agreed to stay with the patient and the receptionist called security.

Two security staff questioned the man briefly, then had to restrain him and escort him into a back waiting area after he started cursing at them and demanding to see his girlfriend. The receptionist called the police at the security officer's request and told the sister to remain in the waiting area. When the police arrived, they found several weapons in plain view in the man's car and a knife in the vest he was wearing. The man was arrested on weapons charges. His female companion told the officers that he had been threatening her and her sister but she had been afraid to call the police.

The clinic director praised the receptionist, nurse, and security staff for handling the situation effectively. "We commend our employees for handling the situation appropriately and have referred the patient to a local Womens' Shelter for counseling and assistance," the director said.