The firefighters in Brussels have reported their third attack this year. The incident occurred on the night of 18 to 19 March 2023, and was an extremely violent attack on the paramedics of the PIT at Saint-Pierre Hospital. The perpetrators verbally and physically attacked the paramedics, made threats and attempted to open the doors of their vehicle. The paramedics had to leave the scene quickly to avoid further harm. Éric Labourdette, the president of SLFP Pompiers, has condemned the attack and expressed concern over the safety of the paramedics, stating that one officer had been injured and was suffering from significant psychological distress. He has also criticized the authorities for their lack of response to these incidents and announced plans to issue a new strike notice.
This is already the third attack that the Brussels firefighters have denounced this year! “On the night of Saturday March 18 to Sunday March 19, 2023, an attack of rare violence was committed on the paramedics of the PIT (Paramedical Intervention Team) of Saint-Pierre hospital (at the square Jules de Trooz). These are verbal and physical attacks, threats, and an attempt to open the doors of the vehicle in order to attack the physical integrity of the occupants. The agents had to leave the scene of the intervention hastily in order to avoid a real lynching! “, denounces Éric Labourdette, president of the SLFP Pompiers.
“Our agents have renamed the capital Bronxhell. One of the officers has had a work accident following the blows received and his psychological distress is significant. Knowing that the paramedics are in real danger challenges a lot of people, but these arrests remain unanswered by our authorities. When are we going to have a real reaction from our authorities in the face of the seriousness of such facts? Should we expect a death in our ranks during our missions which are, the SLFP reminds us, missions of relief and assistance to the population”, questions Éric Labourdette who announces the drafting of a new strike notice which will be of application for Siamu in addition to that submitted for the issue of pensions for firefighters.
The repeated attacks on Brussels firefighters this year are a cause of great concern, and the recent violent incident involving the paramedics of Saint-Pierre hospital is especially alarming. Verbal and physical attacks, threats, and attempts to harm the occupants of their vehicles have left the agents feeling unsafe and traumatized. The lack of response from authorities is deeply troubling, and the call for action is urgent. In a time when relief and assistance to the population are of utmost importance, it is unacceptable for the people who provide these services to be in danger. It remains to be seen if authorities will take the necessary steps to protect the firefighters and paramedics who risk their lives every day for the safety and wellbeing of others.