This Friday, March 17, the firefighters of Brussels report two attacks in one day against the personnel of the emergency services. “Physical and verbal” aggression, reads a press release from the spokesperson for the Brussels firefighters. The first attack took place in Saint-Gilles in the morning. “On arrival at Saint-Pierre hospital, the patient suddenly changed his behavior and, without warning, punched one of the paramedics in the face.“, explain the firefighters.
The assaulted paramedic received treatment at the scene. The police also intervened. “Despite the emotional shock (aggression from the first intervention of the day), the rescuer shows a great sense of duty and continues his guard until the next morning.“, specifies the firefighters of Brussels.
Another attack took place around 4 p.m. in Etterbeek, when the emergency services arrived at the emergency room of Saint-Michel hospital. “One of the paramedics questioned the patient to carry out a complete check-up,” the statement continued. “When a ‘sensitive’ subject was brought up, the patient lost his temper, shouted insults and finally spat in the face of the colleague. The stretcher placed judiciously between the madman and the rescuers, avoided a physical attack.
Firefighters and emergency services have been denouncing for several months an upsurge in violence against them. The Brussels firefighters, currently on strike for several days to protest against their working conditions, specify that their staff are encouraged to file a complaint against these behaviors. Psychological support is also offered.