Nurse Uses Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Skills To Fight Off Crazed Patient
The Daily Wire
Last updated: August 5, 2026
An Australian nurse utilized his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) expertise to subdue an aggressive, intoxicated patient at a Brisbane hospital. The incident, captured on security footage, highlights the prevalent issue of workplace violence faced by healthcare professionals.
- Daniel Nelson, an Australian Army registered nurse, shared a video of an October 2024 incident at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The footage shows Nelson defending himself against an intoxicated patient who became verbally abusive, spat, and behaved aggressively.
- After being asked to leave, the patient escalated by throwing items and punching Nelson. Nelson, leveraging his decade of BJJ training, wrestled the patient and applied a chokehold until security arrived.
- Nelson emphasized that not all healthcare workers possess the physical ability or confidence to defend themselves in such situations, questioning what might happen if a smaller or less experienced staff member were targeted.
- He stressed that violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable and not an inherent part of the job, stating that alcohol is not a valid excuse for such behavior.
- Nelson acknowledged the dedication of his colleagues who continue to work despite experiencing similar incidents. The patient involved in the assault pleaded guilty and was fined $450.
