DETROIT — Two medics were assaulted after Detroit dispatchers failed to identify the call as a possible violent situation.
The medics were responding to a report of a pedestrian hit by a vehicle, when three members of a crowd attacked them, WXYZ reports.
“There was information that there was fighting on the scene and that information never made it to the medics,” said Joseph Barney who represents Detroit EMS workers under the Police Officers Association of Michigan.
For safety reasons, EMS workers will wait for police support if violence is reported on the scene.
“We’re there to help people,” said Barney. “We’re unarmed.”
It remains unclear why dispatch did not inform the medics of fighting, and efforts are being made to improve communication.