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Threats and violence have become a more common feature for paramedics. In the past five years, notifications to the Work Environment Authority about threats and violence against ambulance personnel have increased from 21 to 67, reports Sweden’s Radio Ekot.
This can involve threats of a gun, punches and kicks, and paramedics being physically prevented from leaving a place.
One of those who has himself been exposed on several occasions is Fredrik Segerblad, an ambulance nurse in Stockholm.
– It is special, and it is something that has grown more over the years. We have quite a few incidents that, in the alarm system, should not be a dangerous job to go to, but which become dangerous for us, he says to the radio.
When paramedics are exposed to threats and violence, it can affect their ability to help an injured person, says Segerblad.
– When the event itself occurs, you almost become a little cold or reset inside, how you feel about the event comes afterwards, when you can exhale.