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WARNING: Some of the details in this story are disturbing. Discretion is advised.
Duncan Pelley’s journey into emergency medical services began in high school when he discovered a passion for helping others through first aid courses. Today, he is a primary care paramedic serving the Metro Vancouver area, a role he cherishes deeply. “From the day I started this job till today, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” he expressed. However, Pelley shared a grim reality that many in the public may not fully grasp — the increasing violence faced by first responders on duty.
Pelley emphasized that in his experience over the past five years, incidents of violence towards paramedics have escalated. He recounted a particularly alarming encounter with a dementia patient whose family had assured him he was calm and cooperative. “When I approached him, he suddenly raised his fist as if to strike me,” he said, expressing his ongoing concern for his safety on the job. “I have a family to go home to. I love being a paramedic, but I must also protect myself and my partner.”
In a recent interview, Greg Stubbs, a paramedic on Vancouver Island, described a harrowing experience he endured while responding to a call at an encampment in Victoria. “We were called for a suspected seizure,” he explained. Upon arrival, they were sent to assess a young man in a tent. Initially compliant, the situation quickly escalated when the man unexpectedly punched Stubbs during a moment of nonchalance. This incident required additional police assistance to manage the scenario and contain the potential for further violence.
Pelley pointed out the need for enhanced training focused on recognizing and preventing violence in the field. “I would like for us to receive more violence prevention training,” he stated, underscoring the importance of being able to anticipate signs of escalating aggression.
Another paramedic, Jennifer McKnight-Yeates from the Fraser Valley, shared her perspective, noting that paramedics no longer consider entering homes alone due to safety concerns. “You just never know what you’re walking into,” she said, articulating the unpredictability of callouts, particularly with individuals in distress or mental health crises who may react violently. She recounted a situation involving a domestic dispute where tensions rose as they attempted to assist an injured party, ultimately requiring her to confront an aggressive partner. “Thankfully, I managed to back off a bit and explain that his behavior was inappropriate,” she recalled.
Candis Visser, a primary care paramedic and duty supervisor in Metro Vancouver, echoed similar sentiments, recalling a tense encounter where she and her partner were locked in a room with a violent individual. “He had just assaulted his wife and then turned his aggression towards us,” she detailed. In that moment, they had to call the police and try to keep the individual calm until help arrived.
Both McKnight-Yeates and Visser emphasized the importance of making it clear to the public that they are there to help. Despite the numerous challenges and risks associated with their roles, their dedication to serving the community remains unwavering. “We report to duty every day, coming to help people,” Visser concluded.
Source
globalnews.ca