EMTs risk lives to save lives

EMTs under siege: Attacked by people they're trying to save (link)
By Jessica Heslam

Boston EMTs rushing to the scenes of medical emergencies say they are facing more and more violence from the very people they are trying to rescue – leaving some so badly injured they are unable to work.

``I've been kicked, bitten, spat on, punched, shot at and a few people tried to stab me – you name it,'' said Lt. Dennis Bynum, a supervisor at Boston Emergency Medical Services. ``I've been hurt so many times.''

Last year, 24 EMTs and paramedics lost work days because they were injured in an act of violence while on the job. That number is up from 20 in 2003, and there have been seven cases so far this year. Nationally, experts say, violent assaults on EMTs are becoming more common.

Much of the violence faced by EMTs rolling to emergency calls is attributed to summer boozing and drug abuse, and an increase in calls involving violent mentally ill people who have stopped taking their medication.

``It's a dangerous job. It's explosive and it happens in a nanosecond. Someone is not thinking clearly if they attack an EMT,'' said James Orsino, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association EMS Division, which represents about 300 EMTs and paramedics citywide.