Niagara EMS addressing violence against front line staff

With rising numbers of reported incidents of violence against front line staff, Niagara Emergency Medical Services is taking steps to protect the safety of paramedics, dispatchers and other staff. Front line staff at Niagara EMS regularly face incidents of violence, such as verbal abuse, physical assault and/or sexual harassment) on the job. The incidents are increasing and often go underreported. In Niagara, reported incidents of violence toward front line staff have increased by 53 per cent since 2018. Some of the steps Niagara EMS is taking to address this issue include collaborating with Niagara Regional Police to develop improved communication, providing staff with crisis intervention training, encouraging and improving reporting, enhancing policies and procedures and providing wellness and resilience building resources to front line staff. In response to a motion at the Oct. 10 meeting of the Public Health and Social Services Committee, Regional Chair Jim Bradley will also write a letter to the federal Minister of Justice to request amendments to the Criminal Code through Bill C-321 and provide protections for first responders.