Operation in Wahrenbrück: Fire brigade under attack - violence against rescuers!

Operation in Wahrenbrück: Fire brigade under attack - violence against rescuers!

Wahrenbrück.On Saturday evening, November 30th, around 11:43 p.m., the Prestewitz volunteer fire department in Uebigau-Wahrenbrück, Elbe-Elster district, was called to a dramatic operation. Several people were stuck in an elevator and needed urgent help. But what started as a rescue operation quickly turned into a nightmare for the emergency services.

While the firefighters were trying to free those trapped, two of their members were suddenly and without warning attacked. The reasons for this attack are still unclear. As a result, the fire department was forced to cancel the operation and alert the police. Another unit was mobilized to rescue those in distress.

Alarming statistics

This incident is not isolated. Violence against emergency services is a growing problem in Germany. A current survey by the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) and the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) shows that around half of volunteer fire brigade members have experienced violence in action in the last two years. Verbal attacks, such as insults and threats, are the most common. In 2022, around 80,000 attacks on emergency services were registered nationwide, including around 76,000 police officers, 1,000 firefighters and 2,100 other rescue workers. The situation is alarming and requires urgent attention!