In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in violence and aggression towards medical staff in German hospitals. A representative survey conducted by the German Hospital Institute (DKI) on behalf of the German Hospital Association (DKG) found that 73% of hospitals have recorded an increase in assaults over the past five years. Nursing staff and emergency room employees are particularly affected.
To counteract this worrying trend and increase safety in healthcare facilities, more and more clinics are turning to body-cams. These cameras, which are worn on the body, offer numerous advantages:
Advantages of body-cams in healthcare 
De-escalation through visible recording The mere presence of a body camera can have a de-escalating effect. People tend to moderate their behaviour when they know they are being recorded. Michael Kötzing, Director of Labour Relations at Dortmund Hospital, confirms: “The assessment of the city of Dortmund and also of the police headquarters in Dortmund is that body cameras have a de-escalating effect on the person I am dealing with.” (WDR) ## Protection of staff and patients Body-Cams not only serve as a deterrent, but also protect medical staff. In the event of an assault, the recordings provide clear evidence that can support legal action. In addition, employees feel safer knowing that potential attacks can be documented. A survey conducted by Fulda University of Applied Sciences in hospitals in Hesse revealed that both verbal and physical aggression are commonplace, leading to increased psychological stress for staff. (__Study by Fulda University of Applied Sciences)
Improvement of working conditions By using body-cams, hospitals can create a safer working environment. This can help to increase job satisfaction and reduce staff turnover. A safer environment also promotes employee efficiency and concentration, which ultimately benefits patients as well.
Data protection and legal aspects By using body-cams, clinics can create a safer working environment. This can help to increase job satisfaction and reduce staff turnover. A safer environment also promotes employee efficiency and concentration, which ultimately benefits patients as well.
VBG covers 40% of the cost of body-cams Financial support is available for companies that want to use body-cams to minimise risk: the Verwaltungs-Berufsgenossenschaft (VBG) subsidises the purchase of body-cams for security staff with 40% of the investment costs. This subsidy can be a valuable relief, especially for security services that work with clinics and emergency services. Further information on how to apply can be found on the VBG website. (__VBG premium catalogue)
Overall, body-cams offer a promising means of improving safety and working conditions in healthcare facilities. Thanks to their wide range of applications, they help to protect staff and improve the quality of patient care. Secure a free consultation