Alcohol attack in the ambulance: 59-year-old attacks paramedics!

Alcohol attack in the ambulance: 59-year-old attacks paramedics!

A turbulent police operation caused a stir in Metelsdorf near Wismar on Tuesday evening. At 7:50 p.m., the West Mecklenburg integrated control center informed the police about an altercation between a patient who was reported to be helpless and the crew of an ambulance. The incident occurred during transport on the B 208 between the BAB 20 Wismar-Mitte and the Wismar-Rothentor roundabout. During the check it turned out that the 59-year-old patient was heavily intoxicated.

The man, who had already approached the emergency services in Warin, caused some difficulties. With a breath alcohol level of over 2.7 per mille, he began to insult and threaten emergency services employees during the transport. The paramedic reports that the patient even tried to hit one of them, although the attack was stopped by a defensive movement. Despite this difficult situation, the emergency services worker sustained a graze wound on his forearm and his glasses fell to the ground and were damaged. “You simply cannot tolerate such behavior,” said an understanding colleague of the emergency services employees.

Consequences for the alcoholic patient

The police took immediate action: the judge responsible ordered a blood sample to be taken at the Wismar clinic. The 59-year-old must now face criminal charges on suspicion of damage to property, insults, threats, bodily harm and physical attacks on rescue workers. After the incident, the patient was able to continue on his own. Experts point out that such aggressive arguments are not uncommon in connection with alcohol consumption.

Alcohol plays a relevant role in many violent crimes - what is particularly striking is that, according to the Federal Criminal Police Office's police crime statistics, in 2021 around 50% of criminals who resisted state authority or committed physical attacks were drunk. These numbers show how dangerous alcohol can be, not only for the consumer but also for those around them. There are also numerous offers of help for those affected by violence that can be reached quickly.

A look at the alcohol situation in the region

In recent years there have been repeated incidents in which alcohol played an extremely worrying role. Drivers have already been found to be under the influence of alcohol several times in the area. In the district of Northwest Mecklenburg, for example, several traffic accidents were caused by drunk drivers on one day three years ago, which provides additional topic of conversation. According to reports at the time, several drivers, some of whom had blood alcohol levels above 1.6 per mille, had to face consequences, including blood samples being taken and driving licenses being revoked.

What happened in Metelsdorf is a clear indication of how important it is to deal with the issue of alcohol and violence. Prevention is the best strategy. Even though the number of alcohol-related crimes has decreased over the last 20 years, this is no reason to lower the alarm.

For the rescue workers, it is not only a professional but also a human challenge to remain calm in such situations. The current incidents show that not only quick help is required, but also a strong awareness of the dangers that alcohol consumption brings with it.

There are a number of offers of help available to those who are at risk themselves or those around them. For children and young people there is the children's and youth hotline on 116 111 as well as the central number against grief, which can also be reached on this number. The White Ring victim hotline, which offers help anonymously and free of charge, is also a valuable contact point for those affected.

We must remain vigilant as a society and take decisive action to address alcohol-related violence and aggression.