Toronto Paramedic Association calls for new laws and penalties for assaulting Paramedics.

TORONTO, Feb. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - The Toronto Paramedic Association is calling for stronger laws and stiffer penalties after a Toronto Paramedic was assaulted recently in the line of duty resulting in severe injuries.

'Assault is never acceptable on any member of our society', says TPA President Geoff MacBride. 'Assault on a Paramedic while a Paramedic is engaged in their duties is absolutely not acceptable.' 'Paramedics place themselves in danger every time they respond to a call. Paramedics in the course of their duties are victims of assault regularly. The laws that protect them should match that dedication.'

Currently Police Officers and Fire Fighters have special legislation that prescribes specific penalties and parameters if they are assaulted in the line of duty. The Toronto Paramedic Association is calling for all levels of government to recognize the special dangers Paramedics are exposed to in the line of duty and change relevant laws and penalties to reflect these circumstances. The penalties for assaulting a Paramedic should be exactly the same as for assaulting any other public safety officer.

The assailant will be in Old City Hall court Feb 6 at 10:00am. The assaulted Paramedic Aron Sperling and TPA President Geoff MacBride will be available for comment.

The TPA represents the professional interests of Toronto Paramedics. The TPA is a chapter organization of the Ontario Paramedic Association and the Paramedic Association of Canada.

SOURCE: Toronto Paramedic Association

Geoff MacBride
President
Toronto Paramedic Association
www.torontoparamedic.com
[email protected]
647-228-9164