04.22.2025
Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities face a growing number of security threats, from break-ins and vandalism to workplace violence and civil unrest.
Ensuring the safety of employees, patients, and visitors requires a multi-layered approach to physical security, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable entry points and high-risk areas like glass doors, windows, and transaction counters.
At QMi Security Innovations, we specialize in advanced security solutions designed to strengthen healthcare facilities against forced entry, theft, and violent attacks, so we put together this brief guide on how to improve security in hospitals, clinics, and other critical healthcare settings.
The Growing Need for Increased Physical Security in Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities operate around the clock and often deal with unpredictable individuals — who may be intoxicated, mentally ill, or in distress — making them frequent targets for criminal activity and even physical violence. Common security threats include:
- Break-ins and theft: Medical facilities house expensive equipment, prescription medications, and controlled substances, all of which attract burglars.
- Workplace violence: The healthcare sector experiences a high rate of violent incidents, with staff facing threats from patients, visitors, and even disgruntled employees.
- Riots and civil unrest: Hospitals and clinics can get caught in the middle of chaos during times of civil unrest, making them susceptible to vandalism, looting, and property damage.
- Active threats: In extreme cases, healthcare settings may experience violent targeted attacks, requiring robust barriers to delay or prevent an assailant’s access to critical areas and give security teams and law enforcement more time to respond.
To mitigate these risks, healthcare administrators must take proactive steps to secure their facilities with durable, impact-resistant physical security solutions.
LX6 Clear Security Shutters: Securing Entry Points and Transaction Counters
One of the most effective ways to protect vulnerable doors, windows, and transaction counters in healthcare settings is by installing LX6 clear security shutters. These transparent, impact-resistant shutters provide a powerful layer of defense against forced entry, while maintaining a professional appearance and visibility.
Key Benefits of LX6 Clear Shutters:
- Protection from forced entry and looting: LX6 security shutters create a solid barrier against break-ins, preventing intruders from smashing glass windows or doors to gain access.
- Ideal for after-hours security: When a facility is closed, these shutters ensure that all windows, doors, and transaction counters, including pharmacy windows, remain secure.
- Effective against civil unrest and riots: In high-risk situations, such as protests or other public disturbances, LX6 shutters can be deployed to prevent property damage and unauthorized entry.
- Preserve natural light and visibility: Unlike all-metal security shutters, the LX6 system is transparent, ensuring that security measures don’t create an unwelcoming or enclosed feel.
LX6 clear security shutters create an invaluable first line of defense against threats, boosting security for healthcare facilities without compromising the accessibility and visibility that patients and staff expect and rely on in these settings.
Riot Glass: 24/7 Protection for Windows and Glass Doors
Another essential security upgrade for healthcare facilities is the installation of Riot Glass forced entry-resistant or ballistic-grade security glazing.
Riot Glass provides an extremely high level of protection against break-ins, vandalism, human impact, and ballistic attacks, making it an ideal choice for high-risk areas in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices.
Why Choose Riot Glass for Healthcare Security?
- Unmatched impact resistance: Riot Glass is designed to withstand repeated high-force impacts, including attempted forced entry, blunt force attacks, and even ballistic threats (depending on the selected level of protection).
- Prevents unauthorized access: If an intruder attempts to break a window or glass door, Riot Glass holds firm, preventing them from gaining entry.
- Increases safety in high-risk areas: Certain areas of healthcare facilities, such as emergency room entrances, reception areas, and waiting rooms, may require stronger protection against human impact. Riot Glass serves as an effective barrier in these situations.
- Maintains visibility and aesthetics: Riot Glass is a virtually invisible solution that preserves the professional look of a healthcare facility while allowing natural light to enter.
By reinforcing windows and glass doors with Riot Glass, healthcare facilities can create a safer environment for staff, patients, and visitors alike — without compromising on the aesthetics or functionality of windows, doors, and other glass surfaces.
Not only that, but many Riot Glass solutions are fully retrofittable, meaning they can be installed on top of a healthcare facility’s existing glass with no need to remove and replace it. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective, minimally disruptive solution for increasing security in healthcare settings.
Additional Strategies for Strengthening Security in Healthcare Facilities
While LX6 clear shutters and Riot Glass offer critical physical protection, healthcare facilities should be sure to implement a comprehensive security plan that includes:
- Access control systems: Limiting entry to authorized personnel helps reduce security risks, particularly in sensitive areas like pharmacies and patient record rooms.
- Surveillance and monitoring: Installing high-quality security cameras and integrating them with real-time monitoring can deter crime and provide valuable evidence in the event of an incident.
- Staff training and emergency preparedness: Ensuring that healthcare workers know how to respond to security threats is just as important as physical security measures. Training on workplace violence prevention, lockdown procedures, and de-escalation techniques contributes to overall safety.
- Improved lighting and perimeter security: Well-lit exteriors, secure fencing, and monitored entry points all contribute to stronger overall security for healthcare facilities.
Conclusion
Healthcare facilities must prioritize their physical security to protect staff, patients, visitors, and valuable assets from a range of threats, including forced entry, theft, vandalism, and violent attacks.
LX6 clear security shutters and Riot Glass are two of the most effective solutions for securing doors, windows, and transaction counters without sacrificing visibility or accessibility. Investing in these advanced healthcare security measures creates a safer environment for everyone involved while ensuring that facilities remain fully functional and welcoming.
For more information on how QMi Security Innovations can help secure your healthcare facility against physical threats, contact us today.
