Violence was recognized as a major and growing health threat by a 1996 World Health Organization resolution. While workplace violence occurs across sectors, healthcare is particularly vulnerable, accounting for about a quarter of all incidents. In the EU-27, incidence reaches 15%, and surveys confirm health workers facing one of the highest risks. Firearm-related violence is increasingly acknowledged as a public health issue, though physicians’ role in prevention remains debated.Following two premeditated murders of physicians in 2007 and 2017, the Medical Chamber of Slovenia established an interdisciplinary task force. Its mission includes raising awareness, collecting data on violent incidents, proposing legal amendments, offering workshops, and counselling victims. In 2025 (until Dec 1), four workshops were conducted, members lectured at conferences, and participated in a round table. One notable case involved a rural family doctor. After declining a patient’s requests for referrals or sick leave, the patient placed a gun on her desk. The doctor, fearing for herself, staff, and family, sought guidance. Anxiety affected her work, and she hesitated to report the incident, unsure if the weapon was real.A 2017 online survey found 17% of respondents experienced physical violence and 99% (N = 1096) psychological violence. Firearm exposure was rare. Following a 2017 shooting of a urologist in Izola Hospital, no further firearm assaults occurred. This case, where the weapon was displayed but unused, required careful analysis and development of guidance for medical staff.The task force’s chief police inspector advised the doctor to report the incident, emphasizing that any firearm-related threat must be reported, regardless of authenticity.Firearm policies differ globally. A review by McGuire et al. found weapons prevalence in healthcare from 0.4% to 26.3% (1984–2023). Prevalence was 2.0% among hospital entrants and 1.6% in emergency departments. US hospitals are considered “hot zones,” yet firearm screening in primary care remains controversial and policy-dependent.Healthcare facilities must remain safe. Policymakers should adopt legislation protecting patients and staff from firearm violence. Strengthening healthcare workers’ capacity to manage threats is essential and primarily the responsibility of employers.