A Queensland police officer has shot dead 28-year-old Tyson Jessen while he was under guard at Ipswich Hospital, west of Brisbane.

Inspector Michael Trezise said the man was taken to hospital after being arrested on Friday afternoon.

The ABC understands he was wanted for armed robbery offences in Victoria and had a lengthy criminal history.

The man became violent towards the officers who were guarding him in a room at about 9:00pm on Saturday, he alleged.

"The man was subsequently shot during an incident and he was treated at the scene but subsequently passed away," Inspector Trezise said.

He said a female constable received facial injuries during the incident and she was treated at the hospital.

"She has been released from hospital and is at home with relatively serious facial injuries," he said.

"Very traumatic incident — she has received significant support from the police union and family of police, but it's very upsetting incident for anyone to go through."

Inspector Trezise spoke of the difficulties an officer had in deciding to shoot a person.

"It is the most difficult decision that an operational officer can make — it is made under stress and under time pressure and it's extremely difficult," he said.

Inspector Michael Trezise said the man had been arrested on Friday. ( ABC News: Rachel Riga )

He said the man had been arrested "on some serious matters".

"It is my understanding he was taken directly from the arrest to the hospital … but that will form part of the investigation," he said.

"It's early in the investigation and once all the witnesses have been interviewed by Ethical Standards Command, more details will be released.

"There was no other danger to the public and there is absolutely no evidence that this matter had any links to terrorism or extremism at all."

Police officer 'showed great restraint'

Queensland Police Union (QPU) general president Ian Leavers said what happened was horrific.

"The police officer was incredibly brave and she showed great restraint," Mr Leavers said.

"Police have shown great restraint and they will only ever use their firearm as a last resort."

Mr Leavers said the police officer involved was "doing her job".

"She made a choice to protect her own life and we continue to support her well into the future," he said.

"As police we have nothing to hide and the matter is now before the coroner.

"Tragedies like this really bring police together and the resilience they show in supporting one another is to be commended."

Ipswich Hospital acting executive director Melinda Parcell said staff were receiving onsite counselling following the incident.

"They are understandably deeply affected by the incident and will continue to receive support for as long as it is needed," Ms Parcell said in a statement.

"This is a shocking event, and our thoughts go out to all involved, including our staff.

"West Moreton Health will both support police investigations and carry out our own investigations into the event, as is usual in such circumstances."