- The Criminal Investigation Department is equipping its personnel with emergency response skills.
In various urgent care facilities situated in Baden-Württemberg, staff members often face verbal abuse, threats, or even physical assaults. Around 100 workers in these establishments underwent training by experts from the State Criminal Office (LKA), as reported by President Andreas Stenger in Stuttgart. "It's alarming to witness acts of violence against employees in urgent care facilities." Besides causing physical harm, these incidents frequently lead to emotional distress, affecting the workers' sense of safety.
As per the information provided by the LKA, hostile crimes in medical establishments such as clinics and emergency wards have seen a rise: the police criminal statistics reported 816 incidents in 2019, which grew to 1,047 cases in 2023. The range of crimes includes simple physical harm, robbery, and even attempted murder.
An initiative in Stuttgart centered around prevention was so fruitful that the police's educational program was broadened to encompass all of Baden-Württemberg, as announced by Stenger. Effective prevention extends beyond prompt action against immediate threats. "Our approach involves a long-term strategy and the practical sensitization of emergency clinic staff." Moreover, the training wasn't just limited to the staff, but also highlighted potential modifications in structural, technical, and organizational aspects to deter aggression altogether.
Urgent care facilities operate when family doctors are not available during regular working hours. They are managed by the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Baden-Württemberg (KVBW) in Baden-Württemberg.
The initiative to prevent violence in urgent care facilities, as successful in Stuttgart, has been expanded to encompass the entirety of Baden-Württemberg by the LKA.This expansion of the prevention program is beneficial not only for the staff but also for the entire community of urgent care facilities in Baden-Württemberg.
