The Workers’ Commission has condemned the recent assault on emergency medical personnel, describing the incident as “intolerable” and calling for the assailants to face justice alongside severe consequences.
In a statement, the Workers’ Commission of INEM highlighted that this incident, which occurred on Saturday night in Gondomar, is “not an isolated case,” but rather “an example of the constant risk” that workers face.
“It is incomprehensible that those who dedicate their lives to saving others are repeatedly victims of violence, disrespect, and threats,” they stated.
The Commission also expressed concern that technicians cannot continue to risk their lives and health “without the due recognition of the harshness of this care providing environment.”
“Public, institutional, and governmental recognition of the risks these professionals systematically expose themselves to is urgent. Palliative measures in such situations are unacceptable, and this must be a commitment that all—authorities, institutions, and civil society—must assume,” they added.
An INEM technician was assaulted and suffered facial injuries during an emergency situation on Saturday night in the municipality of Gondomar, Porto district.
In a post on Facebook, INEM reported that an emergency pre-hospital technician, serving with the immediate life support ambulance in Gondomar, “was the victim of an assault,” and the rest of the team, including SIV and Gondomar firefighters, were “threatened.”
Contacted for comment, the Porto Metropolitan Police Command confirmed the attacker was identified as the patient for whom medical assistance had been requested.
The police prepared a report and forwarded the case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The technician, who sustained facial injuries, was taken for observation at Hospital de Santo António in Porto.
“INEM deeply regrets this incident and emphasizes that the work of all professionals dedicated to pre-hospital emergencies should be respected, supported, and defended,” reads the post.
INEM asserted that their professionals “give their best in each mission,” and considered the incident “absolutely unacceptable.”
“INEM will activate all legal means at its disposal for the defense and protection of its professionals,” they added.
The incident took place a day after the enactment of a law that increases penalties for assaults on police officers, prison guards, and firefighters, and extends the exemption of court fees to assaulted teachers and doctors.
According to this law, any worker in the health and education sectors is now included in the list of professionals against whom aggression may be deemed to “reveal particular blameworthiness or perversity” and could be considered qualified assault on physical integrity.
