Blitz marathon in the Pinneberg district: emergency services also affected!

Blitz marathon in the Pinneberg district: emergency services also affected!

In the Pinneberg district, the new speed cameras are causing a lot of conversation: Recently, not only drivers, but also the police, fire brigade and rescue services have been caught if they exceed the speed limit during their operations. The good news for the emergency services: Anyone who drives with flashing lights and a siren will get away with no fines. However, things are completely different for volunteers who rush to the station in their private cars. There are no exceptions for them; They also have to pay for speeding, like that shz.de reported.

But while the speed cameras ensure clear regulations, emergency services in many other regions are struggling with a worrying trend: violence against rescue workers is increasing. On New Year's Eve, for example, emergency services in Berlin were attacked with pyrotechnics, bottles and stones. The emergency services in the Achim area experienced a similar, but rather quiet night, where there were no major incidents despite the general festivities. Nevertheless, police chief Simon Grommisch attests to a slight increase in attacks on police officers; around 20 incidents were registered in 2021, which hasn't gotten any better this year either kreiszeitung.de reported.

Increasing brutality against emergency services

Reports of violence against emergency services are increasing: they are often verbal insults, but these often turn into physical attacks. In their daily work, rescue workers have to deal with insults, threats and even being hit or pushed away. In rare cases, serious injuries also occur, such as those found in a study by safer-rettungsdienst.de be documented. Over 50 percent of those surveyed felt inadequately prepared for such conflicts. Many report worst experiences that can have not only physical but also psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorders.

These social challenges cast a shadow over the valuable work of emergency services, who are often under enormous pressure. Frank Wenzlow, an experienced paramedic, sees the causes of the increasing disrespect as complex. Alcohol, drugs and a general social dullness contribute to this problem. He not only calls for more security measures, but also proposals to improve the perception of volunteers and to reduce bureaucratic hurdles that often make volunteer work a tightrope walk.

The path to improvement

In this context, the police chief Grommisch demands that the tone in society and during operations must be fundamentally improved. It is clear that the discussion affects not only the emergency services, but the entire community. De-escalation training and preventative measures to improve safety for the helpers should be the top priority. Modern technologies such as body cameras are also a hotly debated topic, which could make attackers aware of the direction of their aggression.

There is no denying that respect for those who fight for our safety and health must become more important. With this in mind, it is time for the whole of society to stand behind its emergency responders and give them the recognition they deserve, whether in voluntary work or in professional positions. Only then can a turnaround in the dangerous trend of violence against emergency services be achieved.