As the year nears its end, emergency services in Wiesbaden are emphasizing a de-escalation approach, acknowledging a decline in respect towards them. This shift comes amidst an increase in complaints about the way emergency service workers treat patients, as reported by a spokeswoman from the German Red Cross in Wiesbaden.
To cope with these challenges, both ambulance crews and the Red Cross have long been trained in de-escalation techniques. These skills not only aid in managing potential conflicts but also help them determine when to withdraw and call upon the police for assistance. Similarly, the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund in Frankfurt ensures their employees are adequately trained in de-escalating situations.
Police officers, too, are well-equipped to handle such situations. The Ministry of the Interior in Wiesbaden highlights that they receive extensive de-escalation training as part of their basic and advanced courses. Furthermore, significant investments have been made in protective equipment and bodycams for police officers, serving to deter attacks and document incidents in a legally secure manner.
Regrettably, the number of assaults on emergency service workers, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency doctors, has been on the rise. In 2022, approximately 2370 assaults were recorded in Hesse, with police officers being the most frequent targets. A majority of these acts were classified as acts of resistance and physical assaults, often occurring in connection with criminal offenses.
Firefighters and other rescue workers were also occasional targets, with 112 incidents of attacks recorded in 2022. These figures, released by the Police Crime Statistics (PKS) 2022, indicate a concerning trend, with 2540 attacks reported during 2021 and 2120 during 2020.
These attacks are a matter of growing concern for federal interior minister Nancy Faeser, particularly during high-profile events like New Year's Eve. Last year, rescue workers in Berlin experienced deliberate attacks during New Year's Eve celebrations, a trend that Faeser noted has become increasingly common.
In response, authorities emphasize improved disaster control and greater awareness of the encroachment on emergency services rights. Enhanced police presence, intelligence gathering, community engagement, deportation policies, collaboration with other agencies, public awareness campaigns, and emergency response plans are integral parts of the broader approach to ensuring public safety and de-escalating conflicts in Germany.
