DENVER -- The Colorado Hospital Association wants to increase the punishment for harming an emergency worker, like a doctor, nurse or paramedic. The organization has been making an appeal to local lawmakers.

"I never know what I’m going to walk into, anytime I walk into a room,” said Dr. David Rosenberg, an emergency physician at a Denver area hospital.

During some encounters with patients, Rosenberg has become the target of violence.

“I’ve been struck before. I did have a patient pull a knife on me one time,” said Rosenberg.

A recent study by the Emergency Nurses Association reveals that more than half of emergency nurses have been physically assaulted while on the job.

In fact, one out of every three nurses has thought about quitting, because of violence.

“I would definitely like to see the laws become stiffer so we can keep things safe for everyone,” said Rosenberg.