The murder of an ambulance worker in Harmånger has sparked significant outrage among union representatives, who criticize the lack of safety measures for emergency personnel. They demand a flagging system to alert ambulance staff of potential dangers, emphasizing that such incidents are preventable.
Union Outrage After Ambulance Worker Murder: 'We Are Sent In Blind'
Union Outrage After Ambulance Worker Murder: 'We Are Sent In Blind'
The union's anger is palpable following the murder of an ambulance worker on duty. Concerns are raised about inadequate safety measures.
– As ambulance personnel, we are sent in completely blind. It's life-threatening. This didn't have to happen, says Henrik Johannson of the Ambulance Union.
A man in his mid-20s is suspected of murdering a female ambulance worker in Harmånger, Nordanstig municipality, on Saturday. According to Expressen, the woman was attacked with a knife.
Henrik Johansson, the union secretary of the Ambulance Union, is deeply upset.
– It's terrible. But threats and violence against emergency personnel are quite frequent. We have represented members who have been severely mistreated – threatened and subjected to violence, he says, continuing:
– It feels like Dante's inferno. We've sat in courtrooms and by hospital beds when colleagues have been beaten.
Demands for a Flagging System
He emphatically states that what happened in Harmånger could have been avoided if Sweden had a flagging system, meaning that ambulance personnel receive information from the police's crime and suspicion register and are not sent alone to addresses where potentially dangerous individuals are present.
– If a red flag appears, police should always accompany, explains Henrik Johansson and continues:
– As ambulance personnel, we are sent in completely blind. It's life-threatening. We must be clear: This didn't have to happen. We've been shouting about this. It's naturally unacceptable. Now, someone has even lost their life.
'Should Just Not Happen'
Henrik Johansson says a flagging system can be implemented quickly. His view is that Sweden's municipalities and regions, SOS Alarm, and the regions resist due to privacy concerns.
– We've raised the risks, even with solo work, countless times. But they don't take it seriously.
The chair of the Swedish Association of Health Professionals, Sineva Ribeiro, is also critical of the safety for ambulance personnel.
– It should just not happen. We are there to save lives and help people. We currently see within the ambulance service that we have regions with solo drivers and solo workers. It's something we are completely against – it's not acceptable, she tells 'Ekot'.
Expressen has sought comments from Kommunal, which also organizes ambulance workers, but they declined to comment.