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" data-srcset="Det Goda Samhället (the good society) is a Swedish initiative that discusses the necessities of a good society, and is dedicated to reporting on issues in Sweden that they feel need to be addressed. To this end, it has also started up a series of interviews on YouTube and podcasts. This interview is by Paulina Neuding, with Gordon Grattidge, the President of the Swedish Ambulance Drivers Union, who makes it absolutely clear that Swedish no-go-zones are a fact of life that his personnel is faced with every day.
Some of the highlights:
“Let me ask you Gordon, I know that your union has called for military equipment in order to protect paramedics on emergency calls. What kind of equipment?”
-“That’s correct. (…) We work with lighter protection in the form of body armour and helmets.”
“In what situations does a paramedic need body armour and helmets?”
-“It’s when we enter hazardous areas and there’s a risk of putting our paramedics in danger. It’s often about these risk areas we have in Sweden. So-called ‘no-go zones’.”“You mention this concept of ‘no-go zones’. Is it justified in your work to speak of ‘no-go zones’?”
-“Yes, I think so. I know it’s sensitive and controversial, but for us it’s really a no go because we have directives not to go into dangerous situations. We are also clear about that but sometimes you end up there anyway. In that case it feels good if you have adequate protection. We are supposed to get personal protection from the police when we enter ‘no-go zones’.”“When you say [‘no-go’ areas], do you mean areas mainly inhabited by immigrants?”
-“It’s usually so. Absolutely. Not excuslively, but that’s how it is today.”“So there are more areas such as this and we will see an escalation of threats and violence?”
-“That’s our experience and we receive reports from members, media and other parties. We see an increase definitely.”“Violence and threat. Isn’t that when the ambulance should be there? Is it that dangerous?”
-“It’s too dangerous to enter. We can be prevented from entering. We may be blocked from getting out. Vehicles can be sabotaged at the site. We can be exposed to physical violence. In seconds it can turn to attacks on our vehicles or against us personally.”
“Is it persons throwing rocks, for example?”
-“It can be stone throwing and even worse. Hand grenades have been thrown at police so that is a great concern.”
