EMS Targeting Violence Against Paramedics

Violence has jumped 53% in five years

Niagara EMS is taking steps to reduce violence against first responders.

The organization says violent incidents have increased by 53 percent since 2018. 

Some of the steps being taken include collaborating with Niagara Regional Police to improve communication, encouraging staff to report incidents, and providing crisis intervention training. 

During today's meeting of the Public Health and Social Services Committee, Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley promised to write a letter to the federal Minister of Justice. 

The letter will call for changes to the Criminal Code to provide protections for first responders.

"Ensuring the safety of our paramedics and other first responders is paramount," says Bradley. "We stand united in our commitment to protect these dedicated first responders from any form of violence from the public. On behalf of Regional Council, I respectfully call on the Federal Government to make the changes necessary to the criminal code to help keep our first responders safe."

Niagara EMS Deputy Chief Karen Lutz said they anticipate 2023 being the worst year on record. 

She added they're also looking at having police charge people, and give offenders written warnings.  "I don't think it'll ever be eradicated, to be honest with you... but I think we can do a better job of preventing it from occurring, perhaps, by some crisis intervention training, and then looking at how do we prevent."

The Committee voted to support EMS's request for media and social media campaign indicating violence will not be tolerated.

One councillor called for greater consequences for offenders. 

Tom Insinna suggested every incident be handed over to the police.  "I'm not sure if it's done like that now, but every instance where someone has to go though this... bs... that it be reported, and it be pushed that they be charged, or peace bond."

Niagara EMS adds many paramedics don't report incidents since they feel it's just part of the job, and that nothing will be done.

Anyone who witnesses threats or violence against Niagara EMS workers can call 911.