The Social Democrats in Stockholm demand government action to allow ambulances access to police data on dangerous individuals and addresses. This follows a tragic incident where an ambulance worker was fatally attacked. The proposal seeks legal changes to enable information sharing, aiming to enhance the safety of emergency responders.
Call for Government Action: Flag Dangerous Addresses for Ambulance Services
Call for Government Action: Flag Dangerous Addresses for Ambulance Services
The Social Democrats in Region Stockholm are urging the government to act so that ambulances can access police information on dangerous individuals and addresses.
The request is for data from crime and suspicion registers to be automatically visible to SOS Alarm when an ambulance is requested for a person or address with a history of violence or threats. SOS should then be able to relay this information to the ambulance, which can request police assistance. Currently, this is not possible due to confidentiality rules.
– The entire emergency services family must have access to the information that the police have, says Robert Johansson, Social Democratic personnel regional councilor in Region Stockholm.
“Enough is Enough”
On Tuesday, the regional board is expected to decide on a petition to the government to propose legal changes that would allow the police to share this information.
– It's time for the government to make the necessary decisions. There have been two investigations, but no action has been taken. Enough is enough, says Robert Johansson.
Last Saturday, an ambulance worker was fatally stabbed during a call in Harmånger, north of Hudiksvall. A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and is suspected of murder.
The man was recently convicted of threats and violence against a relative. According to reports to Expressen, he had recently been discharged from psychiatric care despite expressing thoughts of harming others.
“Risking Their Lives”
According to SVT News, he had attempted to attack ambulance personnel with a baseball bat shortly before the murder.
– These are people risking their lives to save us. They deserve all the support they can get. But the keys are with the government, not me as a regional politician, says Robert Johansson.
As early as 2023, Robert Johansson requested a meeting with Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer on the issue. He was referred to the Ministry of Social Affairs. Together with the then-opposition regional councilor Iréne Svenonius (M), he approached the Ministry of Social Affairs but reportedly received no feedback.
He points out that this is not a partisan issue within the region, and that his predecessor Iréne Svenonius also pushed for regulatory changes.
– We agree that this is needed. I can naturally wish more from my previous government, but now this government has been in place for three years, says Robert Johansson.
The Moderates in the region welcome the proposal.
– This is directly taken from the Moderates' policy and something that would have been in place years ago if we had been in charge. I am happy to put party politics aside to finally see this realized, says opposition regional councilor Kristoffer Tamsons (M).
Minister: Nothing is Ruled Out
Health Minister Elisabet Lann (KD) comments:
– Threats and violence against ambulance personnel are a problem that the government takes very seriously and can never be accepted.
She notes that last year, the government tasked several authorities with proposing measures concerning threats and violence against ambulance personnel. Lann will hold discussions with relevant parties and also with the parties in the parliamentary social committee.
– The government does not rule out any measures at this time. At the same time, it is important that the regions use the opportunities available today to ensure ambulance personnel's access to relevant patient information.