City Council Passes Measure Protecting Paramedics, EMTs From Assault

CHICAGO — The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance on Wednesday that protects Emergency Medical Service workers from injuries stemming from work-related violence. The ordinance creates new city fines and jail time for anyone assaulting a Chicago Fire Department paramedic or other emergency worker. The ordinance makes such assaults a violation of city code and punishable by up to six months in jail with fines of up to $1,000.

The city fines and jail time are in addition to state charges, that make assault of an emergency services worker punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison, with fines of up to $25,000.

The ordinance was introduced by Ald. Matt O'Shea in response to the many attacks on first responders in Chicago. O'Shea cited examples of a brick thrown through the window of CFD paramedic’s ambulance as he responded to a call. Another paramedic was beaten by a patient exiting his ambulance, when the patient was found on the street, possibly suffering an overdose. The patient struck the paramedic with a metal lock he had concealed on his person. The paramedic suffered a deep cut under his eye.

In addition, because so many of these incidents of violence occur while offenders are inside ambulances, the ordinance also requires a placard be placed inside the vehicles notifying people of the penalties associated with acts of violence against EMS worker.

“Today, this ordinance passed the City Council, a clear show of support for our first responders,” O’Shea said in a statement. “I’d like to thank Local 2 for their partnership on this effort, all of my colleagues who voted in support of the ordinance and most importantly, the brave first responders who do an increasingly difficult job each and every day.”