Public Employee Press

Assaults rise against EMS lifesavers


Add Emergency Medical Technicians to the growing list of public service workers who are being assaulted while they try to do their jobs.

According to Local 2507 President Israel Miranda, in 2011 there were more than 100 attacks on Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. By October 2012, 60 more members of the local had been assaulted; however, many assaults go unreported.

The increase has lead Miranda to call for legislation making attacks on his members felonies.

"People should understand that our members are not only driving ambulances but are also responsible for providing pre-hospital care to the public," explained Miranda.

EMT Betty Higdon is one of the many first responders who put their lives on the line every day. Higdon was on duty at her Station 16 post in Harlem Sept. 29 when she and her partner responded to an emergency call; the man they were taking to the hospital suddenly became violent and attacked Higdon. He punched her in the head, grabbed her by the neck and ripped her shirt before he was subdued.

As a result of the attack, Higdon suffered two herniated discs, a pinched spinal column and severe neck pain. She now takes medication for muscle spasms and attends physical therapy three times a week.
After time off for the line-of-duty injuries, Higdon was assigned to a desk job in Brooklyn.

Despite her injuries the eight-year veteran is anxious to be back in the field. "You have to get back on your horse," said Higdon. "And I miss my coworkers."

The medics' local has received support for tougher penalties from Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano, Democratic state Senator Eric Adams and Republican Sen. Martin Golden.