Nurse Uses Decade-Long Jiu-Jitsu Training to Subdue Violent Hospital Patient

Hospital cameras recorded an incident at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Emergency Department in Queensland where nurse Daniel Nelson confronted a belligerent patient. After being asked to exit for spitting, abusive language and general misconduct, the patient turned back and threw items at Nelson. Drawing on more than ten years of jiu-jitsu practice, Nelson engaged the man, lifted him over his shoulder and forced him to the ground, then applied a headlock.

Four security personnel arrived to help secure the individual. Nelson later shared the footage online, condemning violence against healthcare workers and praising his colleagues who continue to work under such threats. The episode originally occurred in October 2024 but was made public in late July.