As a follow up to last week’s article about violence against EMS professionals, I wanted to share with everyone the state law that was passed in Delaware at the end of June.
On June 30, the state of Delaware added “emergency medical technicians and paramedics” to a state law that makes “offensive touching” a class A misdemeanor. To summarize the law, offensive touching is defined as “touching another person either with a member of his or her body or with any instrument, knowing that the person is thereby likely to cause offense or alarm to (the) other person. . . “ Interestingly enough, the law also includes “intentionally striking the other person with saliva, urine, feces, or any other bodily fluid” and mandates that a defendant be tested for “diseases transmittable through bodily fluids.” In the state of Delaware, punishment for a class A misdemeanor could land someone in prison for up to a year, and could result in a fine up to $2,300.
EMS advocates, services, and unions that represent EMS professionals should take note of this, and start laying the groundwork with their local law makers if laws similar to this do not already exist within their state. This is a major victory for EMS professionals everywhere. While laws such as this one do not make my job any safer persay, they do at least create greater consequences for those who choose to assault EMS professionals.
Like I said, take note, share and advocate. Our safety is no one’s responsibility but our own.