Man Charged with Murder of Ambulance Worker in Harmånger Sparks Safety Debate

A 26-year-old man has been formally charged with the murder of Helena Löfgren, a 47-year-old ambulance nurse, who was fatally stabbed during an emergency response in Harmånger, Nordanstig municipality on September 20, 2025. The suspect, who was arrested at his home shortly after the attack, also faces charges for an earlier assault on another ambulance worker just three days prior to Löfgren's death. Despite admitting to the attack, he denies having any intent to kill.

The accused has a documented history of violent incidents, particularly involving healthcare personnel. Earlier in the year, he was convicted for assault and threats against his brother, resulting in probation, community service, and mandatory treatment. In the summer, he was placed in a treatment facility but was discharged early due to aggressive behavior. According to reports, on the day of the murder he was emotionally distressed after learning a friend had severed contact, consumed multiple beers, and engaged in self-harming behavior before attacking the ambulance workers with a baseball bat and a knife.

This tragic event has intensified discussions in Sweden about the safety of emergency workers. Colleagues and emergency personnel have expressed grave concerns about increasing violence in their profession. Region Gävleborg, the employer of the deceased nurse, is under investigation for potential workplace safety violations in the wake of the incident.

Images allegedly shared by the suspect on social media, showing a blood-stained knife with a message confessing to having killed someone, have heightened public attention. The attack has become a stark reminder of the acute risks faced by ambulance staff and has prompted calls for enhanced protective measures nationwide.

As the legal process moves forward, this case continues to spotlight critical issues relating to violence against emergency workers and workplace safety standards in Sweden, fueling debate on how best to protect those who serve the public in crisis situations.