The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post that their paramedic was slapped in the face and kicked by a male patient while trying to render aid to him at a Hougang void deck, among a number of cases where paramedics were assaulted.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) recently addressed this case, among others, in a Facebook post on June 1, highlighting the issue of abuse faced by their frontliners.
On February 12, 2023, the SCDF received a medical case in Hougang Avenue 3. During the assessment of a male patient at the void deck, the situation escalated when the patient began using offensive language and exhibiting uncooperative behavior towards the paramedic.
Despite efforts to calm him down, the patient turned violent and proceeded to slap the paramedic across the face.
Additionally, he kicked the paramedic repeatedly before being apprehended by the police. The assailant was subsequently sentenced to a 14-week jail term for assaulting a public servant.
In another incident on March 15, 2023, a separate medical case took place at Kallang Wave Mall, where a paramedic was assessing a male patient.
Suddenly, the patient became aggressive and forcefully shoved the paramedic against a wall. Police intervention resulted in the arrest of the individual, who was subsequently sentenced to six weeks in prison for using criminal force against a public servant.
Through their Facebook post, the SCDF conveyed their commitment to every emergency call and expressed their dedication to serving the community.
However, they also highlighted the negative impact of physical and verbal harassment on their emergency responders, hindering their ability to fulfill their duties effectively.
The SCDF urged the public to support and empathize with their emergency responders in their mission to protect lives and property.
The complete Facebook post by the SCDF can be found below: