Ambulance Staff Raise Alarm Over Violence and Question Protective Vest Effectiveness

Concerns over rising violence against ambulance staff in Swedish urban areas have intensified following the recent killing of an ambulance worker during an emergency response in Harmånger, Hälsingland. This tragic incident has spotlighted safety issues faced by healthcare workers in metropolitan areas plagued by shootings and other violent events.

Jani Stjernström, the vice chairman of Vårdförbundet and an ambulance nurse, voiced alarm over the emerging trend of some regions, such as Västra Götaland, equipping ambulance personnel with protective vests. She described these vests as a "false sense of security," noting they do not protect vital areas like the head and offer limited defense against stabbing. Such reliance, she warned, might lead staff to mistakenly assume they can handle dangerous situations alone, which could be hazardous.

Stjernström strongly advocates for systemic safety improvements, including ensuring police accompany ambulance crews during threatening calls and the cessation of solo shifts. These recommendations seek to reduce peril by preventing ambulance workers from entering unsafe environments unprotected. Additionally, Vårdförbundet is pushing for legislative changes to grant ambulance workers access to patients' histories of violent behavior and the ability to flag high-risk addresses. These measures aim to better prepare and protect staff by informing them of potential threats before arrival.

The union's stance critiques the emphasis on body armor as insufficient and instead calls for comprehensive safety protocols emphasizing police support and legal mechanisms. Stjernström stressed that relying on self-purchased protective vests could cause employers to neglect critical safety responsibilities.

The debate underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts between healthcare services and law enforcement to create safer working conditions for ambulance personnel facing increased violence in urban Sweden.