A growing body of research is making it clear how frequently EMS providers are assaulted on the job, and industry leaders agree the already concerning numbers are underreported. This series breaks down the research regarding violence against EMS providers and offers strategies for recognizing and defusing dangerous encounters, as well as how to equip first responders with protective gear and technology to keep them safe on the streets.
The more complex the skill, the more attention it requires; so how do we get work done and still maintain awareness of the whole scene?
First responders recovering from a violent attack are best served by counselors with specific training and certification
This phrase has an amazing ability to get people in the middle of an angry rant to stop, listen, and reframe their argument
Police say the man threatened to shoot Cobb County firefighters who were working a medical emergency, then backed his car into their rig
Perinton Ambulance said one of its paramedics was attacked by a patient in Fairport and is recovering from injuries
Footage captures responders calling for help and police rushing to a chaotic scene as officials weigh stronger protections for EMS personnel
Nearly nine years after Yadira Arroyo was killed, her family says it is still fighting for better protections as new attacks on first responders raise fresh concerns
Two EMTs suffered head and facial injuries, while three colleagues were hurt forcing entry to reach them during the chaotic response
Both AMR EMTs were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries
Police are treating the fire that damaged four ambulances belonging to a Jewish volunteer organization in London as an antisemitic hate crime
Video from the scene shows the man, who was holding a knife in each hand, advancing toward Buffalo Police officers, prompting the fatal shooting
A Kansas City woman grabbed trauma shears from a medic and swung them during a combative transport in Claycomo
A Seattle Times investigation found medical staff in dozens of states have used spit hoods alongside restraints and sedatives on mental health patients,a practice linked to distress, suffocation and at least five deaths, with little oversight or regulation
A distressed man pulled from the ocean off an Atlantic City beach allegedly attacked a firefighter with a screwdriver during a rescue
A Christmas-week assault that killed a M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center hospital security officer underscores the dangers faced during patient crises
A patient fleeing a medical hold fatally beat a hospital security guard at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, leading to a second-degree murder charge and renewed concerns about workplace violence
Cleveland EMS officials report a growing number of assaults, with many cases resulting in minor charges, fueling concerns about safety, accountability and staffing
After a Cleveland paramedic was violently attacked on a call, University Circle Police launched a free self-defense course for EMTs and crisis responders
An EMS call in Bradley County escalated when a combative patient returned home and fired at law enforcement drones used for negotiation
A viral union-released video captures a Cleveland EMS medic being pulled to the ground during a violent assault, prompting renewed calls for stronger protections
Lancaster EMS Paramedic Kempf survived the assault and now uses her experience to advocate for first responder safety and mental health awareness
Haines City firefighters say a 79-year-old man became combative during treatment and produced a firearm
A Sarasota man got 40 years plus 20 years’ probation for a staged 2019 shooting at Sarasota County paramedics after an automated 911 “fall” alert
Funding approved by the Central Texas Public Safety Commission will outfit all Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMScrews with upgraded body armor
A Haynes Life Flight helicopter was approaching a landing zone in Autauga County when bullets struck the right-side window
State police said a man chased, passed and cut off a Wawayanda ambulance, preventing the crew from reaching a call
A Florence County man opened fire on an ambulance during a domestic violence call
A Kansas City paramedic sustained injuries after an altercation with a combative patient during transport
The Illinois State Police said the patient became combative during transport, leading to the Carle Ambulance rig stopping on the interstate shoulder
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