PALERMO (ITALPRESS) – The Seus in the field against the phenomenon of assaults on rescuers. As announced by its president Riccardo Castro, the company that manages 118 in Sicily is first of all becoming a civil party in criminal proceedings against the perpetrators of violence: “One example is the one related to the preliminary hearing to be held on November 11 against a man arrested in Fiumefreddo di Sicilia during a rescue last July,” reads a note. In addition, Seus is guaranteeing legal assistance to its staff who were assaulted and is reporting to law enforcement agencies the disruption of public service resulting from ambulances being forced into technical stoppage as a result of the damage.” “The provision of special bodycams for responders, which will complement the cameras already in the ambulances, is also on the home stretch. In addition, psychological support for assaulted personnel is being arranged. The president of Seus has also asked the prefecture of Palermo to convene a technical table as soon as possible to identify and implement other concrete and effective measures to combat the phenomenon of aggression,” the note stresses. “I express my deep concern about the growing wave of violence that Sicilian 118 operators are experiencing,” Castro stresses. “A series of unacceptable aggressions that put at risk the safety of those who are dedicated to saving lives every day. The need to address the issue of prevention and measures to be taken to protect 118 personnel is essential to have reassurance that every possible initiative or security measure useful to counter such episodes is immediately adopted in synergy with the various forces in the area. We can no longer and do not want anyone to lash out against those who every day carry out a humanitarian profession and a fundamental service of public utility. “Finally, Castro addresses the unions, “I understand and share the appeals you make for the safety of our rescuers, precisely because your battle is also our battle. As Seus we are concretely in action against this shameful phenomenon and aware that only synergistic and collaborative action among all of us, each for his or her part, can help eradicate it. Rest assured that we will continue to put forth every possible effort to protect 118 operators as they deserve.”- photo Seus press office -(ITALPRESS).
