CLEVELAND — In response to increasing violence against emergency medical personnel, the University Circle Police Department is launching a specialized self-defense training program for unarmed first responders. This initiative comes in the wake of a disturbing incident where a Cleveland paramedic was assaulted during an emergency call, highlighting the risks faced by first responders daily.
The training sessions, offered at no cost, are accessible to paramedics, EMTs, and crisis intervention specialists throughout the region. Commander Jonathan Wearstler of Cleveland EMS reported that at least 30 EMTs have been assaulted since the beginning of 2023, reflecting a troubling trend. “We handle more than 100,000 calls each year, and in the last two years, we have seen around 30 employees attacked while performing their duties,” Wearstler stated. “While these incidents are not an everyday occurrence, they are happening at an alarming rate.”
An unsettling video captured during the aforementioned assault illustrated the vulnerability of the EMS crews. The footage showed two EMTs being attacked while attempting to assist an overdose patient. Although both have returned to their roles, Police Chief Tom Wetzel expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on everyone involved. “Seeing those images and knowing someone was seriously injured disturbed me greatly,” Wetzel said. “We enlisted an expert to help address this issue.”
The self-defense training will cover identifying warning signs of potential violence, such as body language that includes clenched fists and altered breathing. Participants will learn techniques to manage an assailant’s hands, protect sensitive areas, and effectively escape from vulnerable positions. Furthermore, the curriculum includes strategies for verbal de-escalation, aimed at diffusing tense situations before they erupt into violence.
As Cleveland EMS continues to assess the feasibility of implementing this training program, the police department remains committed to enhancing the safety of first responders. This proactive approach seeks not only to equip personnel with essential self-defense skills but also to foster a culture of safety and awareness in high-stress environments.
The collaboration between the University Circle Police Department and local emergency medical services reflects a broader recognition of the challenges faced by first responders. As incidents of assault continue to rise, ensuring their safety becomes paramount for maintaining effective emergency response and care in the community.