Some security guards at several hospitals in Brevard County will now carry a firearm after a patient and employee were shot dead at Parrish Medical Center this past weekend.

  • Health First hospital group in Brevard to arm some security guards
  • Parrish Medical Center was site of fatal shooting days ago
  • Parrish is not a member of Health First but both operate in Brevard

Starting Thursday, select officers officers at Brevard's largest hospital system, Health First, who have completed the required Florida Department of Licensing Firearms training private security officers will carry a firearm as well as a baton. The annual certification will also allow the selected officers to carry a stun gun. They also must pass the same testing that all Florida law enforcement officers must complete and will be required to carry and maintain certifications and licenses, Health First said in a statement.

Health First operates Holmes Regional Medical Center, Cape Canaveral Hospital, Palm Bay Hospital and Viera Hospital. It contracts the company G4S for its security services.

Other security measures being implemented by Health First include:

  • Enhanced detection devices at high-volume hospital entrances
  • Random bag checks for everyone
  • Expanded security personnel resources

Parrish Medical Center is not part of the Health First group. In a statement, Parrish said that in addition to an ongoing investigation by the Titusville Police Department, PMC is conducting its own review of the shooting and "is working with a security consultant." The hospital is adding more security officers in the emergency department waiting area and main entrance, it said. Overnight entry to the hospital will be through locked doors and will require a security check with ID, the Parrish statement said.

Early Sunday morning, a gunman whom police identified as Dave Owens, 29, entered Parrish Medical Center and shot and killed hospital employee Carrie Rouzer, 36, and 88-year-old Cynthia Zingsheim, a patient.

“As one of our fellow Brevard health systems underwent a tragic event, we are reminded of how important our security processes and procedures are to maintaining the safety for ourselves, our patients and visitors. Our hearts and prayers go out to the care partners and families impacted by the incident at Parrish Medical Center,” said Stuart Mitchell, executive vice president and chief operations officer of Health First.