Canadian first responders face increasing danger every day, with violence against them escalating at a troubling rate. From paramedics to health-care workers, those dedicated to saving lives are finding themselves on the receiving end of violent attacks.
Shocking Incidents Highlight the Issue
Justin Mausz, a paramedic and co-lead of the Violence Against Paramedics Project, notes a sharp rise in violence against health-care professionals and public safety personnel. The situation has worsened to such an extent that paramedics like Paul Hills have experienced life-threatening situations on the job.
“I’ve had my life and my family’s lives threatened,” Hills testified before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. “I’ve had machetes and knives pulled on me and removed guns from patients while attending to their medical needs.”
These personal stories illustrate the severe threats that first responders face daily, shedding light on what has become a national crisis.
A National Crisis: Mental Health and Social Fabric Erosion
Mausz stresses that the violence against paramedics and other health professionals is symptomatic of a broader mental health crisis. “It points to a large community mental health crisis, an erosion of trust in institutions,” he explained. “And that social fabric is fraying.”
The increase in violent behavior isn’t limited to physical attacks; it’s a deeper reflection of the social issues gripping Canada. The trust between communities and institutions is weakening, leaving frontline workers at greater risk.
Bill C-321: A Legislative Response to Violence
In response to these rising threats, Bill C-321 has garnered national attention. The bill, currently under Senate committee review, seeks to amend the Criminal Code to make assaults against health-care workers and first responders an aggravating factor during sentencing. This change would result in harsher penalties for those who deliberately target these frontline workers.
Conservative MP Todd Doherty, who introduced the bill, believes the legislation is long overdue. “We need to ensure that harsher penalties are in place for those who knowingly and deliberately target our frontline heroes,” he said in a statement.
Research Reveals the Extent of Violence
A 2023 study led by Mausz, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, paints a grim picture. In Peel Region alone, nearly half of active-duty paramedics reported violent incidents in 2023, with a significant percentage involving physical or sexual assaults.
The study’s findings reveal that, on average, a member of Peel Region's paramedic service is physically or sexually assaulted every 46 hours. This alarming statistic underscores the need for immediate action to safeguard those who risk their lives to serve the public.
The Urgency of Legal Protections
Mandy Johnston, a paramedic and program lead for External Violence Against Paramedics, emphasized that many assaults go unreported due to the absence of legal consequences. “Paramedics experience violence so often that there was no point in reporting because they had before, and it resulted in no change,” she explained.
Johnston has firsthand experience with the increasing dangers paramedics face. Over the last three years, nearly 2,000 violent incidents have been reported by Peel Regional Paramedic Services. Female paramedics, in particular, have faced disturbing incidents of sexual assault while providing care.
“The actions of the patients were intentional, reaching out to grab paramedics’ breast, buttocks, or genitals while they help or provide care,” Johnston said. “Which is horrible, not excusable, and unacceptable.”
A Nationwide Problem
While Ontario faces a significant rise in violence against first responders, the issue extends beyond provincial borders. Victoria, B.C., police chief Del Manak has voiced similar concerns about the aggression facing emergency personnel in his city.
This nationwide trend has prompted calls for stronger protections and legal safeguards to ensure first responders are not left vulnerable in their line of duty.
The Moral Dilemma for First Responders
The increase in violent incidents poses more than just a physical threat; it also creates a moral dilemma for those who are attacked while trying to provide care. “It leads to a moral dilemma when the person you’re supposed to care for is the person that’s treating you this way,” Johnston reflected.
Conclusion: Protecting Our Frontline Heroes
Bill C-321 represents a vital step in addressing the violence faced by first responders across Canada. By amending the Criminal Code to introduce harsher penalties for assaults against these individuals, the bill seeks to provide much-needed legal protections. With the support of MPs like Todd Doherty and advocates like Justin Mausz and Mandy Johnston, the hope is that this legislation will create a safer environment for those who risk their lives every day to protect others.
Source: https://www.nugget.ca/news/canada/violence-first-responders-canada