B.C. paramedic faces routine violence while working

A paramedic in British Columbia, Greg Stubbs, has shared his experience of being violently attacked while on duty. This incident occurred last summer in Victoria while he was responding to a call about a suspected seizure. Stubbs and his partner were directed to assist a man found in a tent. Initially, the man was compliant, but suddenly he punched Stubbs in the face and continued to attack him. Stubbs described feeling shocked and feared for his life as he stumbled backward and fell. He said he only wanted to survive and stay conscious. Fortunately, firefighters nearby stepped in to protect him and his partner while police arrived to help. It took about a dozen officers to control the situation amid growing chaos from a crowd of about 60 people. Following the incident, Victoria's police chief held an emergency meeting and decided that paramedics and firefighters now require police escorts to respond in that area. The city has initiated plans to increase police presence and eventually clear the encampment where the attack occurred. Stubbs noted that many individuals in the area wear steel-toed boots, making violent encounters more dangerous. Stubbs, who is now back on the job but plans to transfer to another area, highlighted the ongoing violence faced by first responders. He expressed frustration over the verbal abuse they encounter daily and emphasized the need for public awareness about their work and the dangers involved.