Bundestag reviews legal measures following increasing attacks

Violence against emergency responders in Germany continues to be a pressing issue.

According to INTERSCHUTZ, firefighters and paramedics across the country, including in Hanover, faced aggression and physical attacks during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The problem has been ongoing for years, affecting both professional and volunteer emergency personnel.

A study by Ruhr University Bochum in collaboration with the North Rhine-Westphalia Accident Insurance Fund identified hitting, pushing, and spitting as the most common forms of aggression against emergency workers.

In response to the issue, the Bundestag discussed tightening laws to address such offences.

The proposal has been sent to the relevant committee for further revision.

Survey highlights high levels of violence

A recent survey conducted by the Institute for Work and Health of the DGUV (IAG) confirmed that aggression towards emergency responders remains widespread.

The survey, which included over 7,500 participants, showed that nearly half of firefighters had experienced verbal abuse, threats, or physical attacks while on duty in the past two years.

According to Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Firefighters’ Association (DFV), the findings are concerning: “It cannot and must not be the case that almost half of the firefighters surveyed have been insulted, threatened or prevented from working during an operation in the last two years.”

He emphasised the need for support from both society and policymakers.

Professional firefighters report higher attack rates

The survey found that among volunteer firefighters, over 50% reported experiencing violence, a figure consistent with 2023 findings. The proportion was similar among plant firefighters.

However, professional firefighters faced the highest risk, with 75% reporting attacks over the past two years.

More than 90% of those affected experienced verbal abuse and insults.

The DFV has revised its previous survey questionnaire to ensure it accurately reflects the concerns of professional firefighters.

Representatives from several fire brigades, alongside trade unions Verdi and Komba, participated in the development of the updated survey.

Calls for enhanced protection measures

In response to the increasing violence, Christoph Bahlmann, head of the Hanover fire service, announced plans for additional protective measures.

He proposed equipping emergency personnel with bodycams and fitting vehicles with dashcams to provide forensic evidence in the event of attacks.

He also suggested that smaller operations be conducted with police escorts when necessary.

The urgency of these measures was reinforced by incidents over New Year’s Eve, during which multiple attacks on emergency responders were reported in Hanover and other regions.

Violence against emergency services in Germany remains a concern: Summary

INTERSCHUTZ has reported that violence against emergency responders in Germany continues, with firefighters and paramedics frequently facing aggression while on duty.

A recent survey by the Institute for Work and Health of the DGUV found that nearly half of firefighters had been verbally abused, threatened, or physically attacked in the past two years.

Among professional firefighters, the figure rose to 75%.

The Bundestag has reviewed proposed legal changes to address the issue, while fire service officials have called for additional protective measures such as bodycams and police escorts for emergency personnel.