UPMC Altoona workers demand action after emergency room attack

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Following an attack on an emergency room technician over the weekend, hospital workers at UPMC Altoona are demanding the healthcare system take action.

In a press release Tuesday, two unions representing the workers, AFSCME Local 691 and SEIU Healthcare PA, said they are "appalled" but "not surprised" by the attack. They said hospital workers are often on the front lines when dealing with the nation's mental health crisis.

We are the ones who regularly bear the verbal and physical abuse from patients who too often do not have adequate mental healthcare and support.

The workers are asking UPMC to conduct a full investigation into the attack and what could have been done to prevent it. They are also asking for enhanced security, including panic alarms in patient care