Unwavering Dedication Under Duress

In a shocking incident in turin, a 118 emergency medical doctor displayed extraordinary courage by continuing to resuscitate a patient even while the patient’s son held a gun to the doctor’s head. This act of heroism has sparked widespread condemnation of the violence and renewed calls for better protection for healthcare professionals.

FNOMCeO President Demands Action: “Doctors Must Be Allowed to Be Doctors”

Filippo Anelli, president of the National Federation of Orders of Surgeons and Dentists (FNOMCeO), expressed solidarity with the doctor and his colleagues, emphasizing the need for a safe and secure working habitat. he stated, Doctors must be put in a position to do doctors, in any context exercise the profession, and to be able to do it in serenity and security. And not forced to acts of heroism to complete their task.

Anelli further highlighted the daily risks faced by 118 operators – doctors, nurses, and paramedics – who silently enter the houses, intervene on the streets, fight against time and against dangers of all kinds, not least the violence of the patients or their relatives themselves, to save lives. He acknowledged the frustration that such incidents can cause, even leading some to consider leaving the profession, while simultaneously underscoring the vital role these professionals play in the community.

The Rising Tide of Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A National Crisis

This incident underscores a disturbing trend of increasing violence against healthcare workers. According to a recent study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other sectors. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect these essential personnel.

Proposed Solutions: Bodycams, Panic Buttons, and Increased recognition

To address this growing problem, Anelli proposed several concrete solutions, including:

• Alert Tools: Equipping emergency responders with bodycams, panic buttons connected to operating centers, and geolocation systems to facilitate rapid police intervention when necessary.
• Economic and Contractual Incentives: recognizing the challenging and ofen dangerous work of territorial emergency operators through financial rewards and improved contractual terms, similar to those offered to emergency room staff.

Anelli concludes that Above all, it is necessary to encourage, as has been done for the emergency room staff, the work of the operators of the territorial emergency, with economic and contractual awards that woudl constitute a signal of attention and gratitude.

Regional Government Condemns Violence, Highlights stricter Penalties

Federico Riboldi, health councilor of the Piedmont Region, and Adriano leli, general manager of Zero, expressed their solidarity with the affected doctor and reiterated the importance of respecting the work of emergency medical professionals. They jointly stated:

We express our solidarity and closeness to the 118 doctor involved in the case. We renew the invitation to all citizens a do not prevent, with physical or verbal violence, the delicate and precious work of 118 professionals who dedicate themselves to save lives every day. Recall that from October the rules for the fight against violence against healthcare personnel are in force, with more severe sanctions and immediate arrest.
Federico Riboldi, health councilor of the Piedmont Region, and adriano Leli, general manager of Zero

They also reminded the public that stricter penalties, including immediate arrest, are now in place for those who commit violence against healthcare personnel, following the implementation of new regulations in October.

Moving Forward: A Collective obligation

the incident in Turin serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by emergency medical professionals and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect them. It requires a collaborative effort from policymakers, healthcare administrators, and the public to ensure that these dedicated individuals can continue to provide life-saving care without fear of violence. The implementation of alert tools,economic incentives,and stricter penalties,coupled with a greater societal respect for healthcare workers,are crucial steps towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for those on the front lines of emergency care.