Violence against french firefighters

Violenza contro Sapeurs

The violent events against french firefighters is a problem around the whole country. Every year hundreds of rescue people are victims of physical and verbal violence. And even though they dedicate to medical care and emergency, they are not excluded from attacks.

The National Observatory of Violence against the French fire-fighters is committed to protecting the body and has drawn up a report of the attacks suffered during 2021, comparing the data to previous years.

Attacks and violence against French firefighters in 2021

Here are some significant data from the study of 50 SDIS (i.e. Department Fire and Rescue Service):

  • 80% of attacks on French fire-fighters happen during the SUAP. SUAP stands for Secours d’Urgence Aux Personnes (Emergency rescue to people);
  • In 62% of cases the violence is amplified by the effects of alcohol and drugs;
  • 80% of the time the person responsible for the aggression is the patient;
  • Assaults occur mainly during treatment.

Why does violence break out during operations of this type?

The National Observatory thinks that we should start from this question to anticipate violent events. Some proposals for protection and prevention focus on the training of individual workers. Adopting the right posture or learning defense techniques could make all the difference. Even the creation of a database reporting the addresses of sensitive individuals because they were subjected to TSO, for example, or previously involved in aggressions could contribute to prevention.

In terms of education, the ENSOSP (The French National Fire Officers Academy) plays a fundamental role not only in preparing the French fire-fighters, but also CTAs, often victims of verbal violence.

There is no data showing the same situation in all districts. Some SDIS do not have any violent episodes.

The study divides the attacks by category:

  • Verbal violence;
  • Physical violence;
  • Violence with guns;
  • Violence with other weapons;

There is also to consider minor and serious injuries from 2018 to 2021.

Violence against french firefighters: attacks from 2018 to 2021

From 2020 to 2021, there was a drop in attacks of 14%, but verbal violence has increased drastically between 2018 and 2019 and has never improved since then but has stabilized.

We can note that serious injuries have decreased, this can be interpreted as greater by the French fire-fighters, as well as a confirmation that there is no anti-firefighter sentiment.

Education and awareness are essential to ensure that this figure continues to decline. It is essential to remember to report every episode to strengthen the fight against violence.

2021 data about violence and aggression against french fire-fighters
Observatoire National Des Violences Envers les Sapeurs Pompiers

As previously mentioned, these are not always highly dangerous situations.

The report reports the example of a pregnant woman who refuses help and verbally and physically attacks two fire-fighters. The rescuers did not sustain serious injuries, but the fact remains that they were attacked while trying to provide assistance to a pregnant woman with visible injuries.

New devices for the protection of the French fire-fighters

Article 57 of the Matras law for the protection of French special forces speaks of a device for protection in the event of aggression.

It is an individual camera that the fire-fighter can decide to wear and turn on during a shift. This camera must be turned on by the operator, it does not automatically record. Furthermore, the device cannot be hidden but must remain clearly visible and marked. It must be visible, especially in case of recording, that’s why it is equipped with a light that is on during filming.

Read more about the National Firefighters Congress 2023 on our Stem Ems Blog!

security camera for french-firefighters
Security camera for french fire-fighters

There are several rules for the use of this technology and images. Let’s see:

  • If you intend to start a recording it is necessary to inform the people present;
  • Images may be used for educational purposes or as evidence in court;
  • Everything recorded is broadcast live to the base of operations;
  • Recordings are automatically deleted after 6 months if they are not used as judicial evidence;

Other devices

The firefighters of the Maritime Alps have tried new protective tools such as bulletproof vests and anti-aggression vests. They are currently being tested in only a few departments: Cannes, Nice, Antibes, and Juan-les-Pins.

Read more articles like this on The EMS Blog!