EMTs under siege

[x635 4,066]

Great article that really brings to light an often forgotten, and emerging aspect of the job.

EMTs under siege: Attacked by people they're trying to save

By Jessica Heslam

Tuesday, August 2, 2005 - Updated: 08:22 AM EST

Boston EMTs rushing to the scenes of medical emergencies say they are facing more and more violence from the very people they are trying to rescue – leaving some so badly injured they are unable to work.

    ``I've been kicked, bitten, spat on, punched, shot at and a few people tried to stab me – you name it,'' said Lt. Dennis Bynum, a supervisor at Boston Emergency Medical Services. ``I've been hurt so many times.''

    Last year, 24 EMTs and paramedics lost work days because they were injured in an act of violence while on the job. That number is up from 20 in 2003, and there have been seven cases so far this year. Nationally, experts say, violent assaults on EMTs are becoming more common.

    Much of the violence faced by EMTs rolling to emergency calls is attributed to summer boozing and drug abuse, and an increase in calls involving violent mentally ill people who have stopped taking their medication.

    ``It's a dangerous job. It's explosive and it happens in a nanosecond. Someone is not thinking clearly if they attack an EMT,'' said James Orsino, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association EMS Division, which represents about 300 EMTs and paramedics citywide.

    The situation has EMTs pushing for the same benefits provided to cops and firefighters who suffer injuries on the job, as well as improved training - including self-defense tactics.

    ``We're trying to improve the line-of-duty injury benefits,'' said Orsino, who was once caught in a gun battle while helping an injured teen.

    Over the past two decades, psychiatric calls have doubled, the EMTs say. Last year, Boston EMS took 67,000 people to the hospital.

    Boston EMS Chief Richard Serino said crews are given protective equipment and training, including bulletproof vests, and he's looking at ways to improve training.

    ``I'm always concerned when an EMT or paramedic gets injured,'' said Serino, who noted that a small number of EMT assault cases have gone to court.

    Another EMT said that because of the city's ``rampant'' drug problem, junkies try to break into ambulances and attack crew members for drugs.

    They're also dealing with more ``club scene studs,'' fitness-obsessed men who work out all day and pop drugs like ecstasy at night. They can be ``explosively violent,'' Orsino said.

    EMTs say they've been attacked not only by patients but their relatives as well - and they are often at the scene before cops arrive. ``Any call you go to, emotions are running high,'' Orsino said. ``Family members are looking down at somebody and hoping for a miracle sometimes. And when that miracle doesn't happen, you are the focus of their attention.''

    Assaults on EMTs and paramedics - there are 700,000 annually - is a national problem. In a study to be released this fall, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians found the number of assaults on EMTs to be more commonplace than previously reported.

[ems-buff 81]

remined me never to work in boston WOW!!!!!! THAT BAD DOWN THERE

[Guest alsfirefighter]

In my area we experience this from time to time also. I've had a few try to step up but usually my charm calms them down and they often think otherwise once I turn it on. lol.

[x635 4,066]

remined me never to work in boston WOW!!!!!! THAT BAD DOWN THERE

It's not just happening in Boston, it's happening in systems all over this country.

[Guest x901]

it's happened recently in both Yonkers & Mount Vernon

[WAS967 97]

Take a look at England some time. I see reports on the EMS list all the time about EMS personnel attacked there.

[Remember585 815]

Could part of the problem be the "wanna-be police uniforms" many EMS units wear? For example, is it neccesary to wear a Detective-style shield to do your job as an EMT?

I've only had 2 conflicts with the public, both times I was in a uniform.

Any other thoughts?

[Guest]

what happened in yonkers and mount vernon?

[Guest EMSwhitecloud]

It happens more often then reported.....I cant tell you the number of times i have been kicked and once punched in the throat.

Edited August 9, 2005 by EMSwhitecloud

[JohnnyOV 2]

I heard that FDNY EMS gets fitted with bullet proof vests, is this true, and if it is, how come other citys such as Boston, yonkers and mt. vernon have not done the same?

Edited August 9, 2005 by EMSJunkie712

[JohnnyOV 2]

I cant tell you the number of times i have been kicked and once punched in the throat.

i was there for that, that was scary, Alcohol and kids dont mix

[Guest EMSwhitecloud]

Especially when they try to use the woods as natures bathroom and fail....lol

[27east 19]

Could part of the problem be the "wanna-be police uniforms" many EMS units wear?  For example, is it neccesary to wear a Detective-style shield to do your job as an EMT? 

GREAT point Remember585!