Nurse uses jiu-jitsu skill to tackle and subdue violent patient (video)
A nurse's quick thinking and jiu-jitsu skills saved the day when she subdued a violent patient. The incident, now viral, emphasizes the importance of self-defense training for healthcare workers.
CCTV footage captured the moment an ER nurse subdued a violent patient using his jiu-jitsu skills.
Daniel Nelson, who has over a decade of martial arts training, was escorting a man from the emergency department of the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital when the patient attempted to attack him.
The patient tried to throw items at Nelson, who blocked him and quickly put him in a headlock on the ground after he lunged at him through the foyers doors at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital Emergency Department about 2am.
Hospital security personnel then arrived on the scene to assist Nelson.
Mr Nelson said he was assaulted by the intoxicated patient in an area of the hospital that was not visible to security or other staff.
"This is what many people never see," he said.
"He had been spitting on the floor, abusing staff and generally behaving like an absolute grub.
"Was asked to leave, I opted to escort him out and grab a cheeky coffee from the coffee van parked out front while I was out there.
"In a stroke of genius he decided he wanted a cuddle.
"Safe to say ... it didn't work out the way he expected.
"I don't think he anticipated the nurse having an obsession with Jiu Jitsu for over 10 years."
Mr Nelson said while he was able to defend himself, it could have been a different situation if a more vulnerable nurse was attacked.
He said nurses, doctors, paramedics and other healthcare workers were there to help people, even those who are intoxicated or make poor decisions.
"That should never come with the expectation of being abused or attacked," he said.
"Violence against healthcare workers isn't 'just part of the job,' it's unacceptable (and) alcohol is no excuse.
"To all my colleagues who continue to show up despite this sort of behaviour: I see you, and I appreciate what you do every day."
He said he shared the video in an attempt to highlight the threats faced by frontline healthcare workers.
See video below.
View this post on Instagramby Linda Ikeji at 05/08/2026 10:54 AM | Share this Story
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