Hospital patient accused by police of assaulting 2 nurses in Greensburg emergency room

Two emergency room nurses at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg escaped serious injury Wednesday after witnesses told police the staffers were kicked as they treated a 19-year-old patient, according to court documents.

Brylin A. Hickman of Jeannette is charged with two counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.

City police said they were dispatched to the hospital about 4 p.m. after receiving a report that two hospital staff members were assaulted by a woman being treated in the emergency room.

According to court documents, Hickman was brought to the hospital for treatment after she was reported to have ingested undisclosed narcotics. Police said she kicked one nurse in her hip and a second nurse in the arm as they attempted to treat her.

Police said Hickman was put in ankle restraints by hospital security immediately after the alleged assaults.

Police said in court records that Hickman refused to speak with police about the incident.

District Judge Chris Flanigan ordered Hickman held in the county jail without bail, noting in court documents that she believes Hickman is a “danger to herself and the community.” A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 21.