Survey Reveals Widespread Violence Against Firefighters in Germany

Over 75% of professional firefighters report verbal or physical attacks during operations, prompting calls for stronger legal protections.

A survey by the German Firefighters Association and the German Social Accident Insurance found that 75.1% of professional firefighters experienced violence during operations in the past two years.
Common incidents include verbal abuse, spitting, and being hit with objects such as fireworks; 7.2% reported being threatened with weapons.
Volunteer firefighters also face violence, with 43.8% reporting negative experiences, though incidents are less frequent compared to professionals.
The majority of violent encounters occur during traffic accidents and emergency medical services, with 65% of severe cases going unreported due to perceived lack of follow-up by authorities.
A proposed government bill aims to enhance legal protections for emergency responders, addressing a rise in attacks, particularly in urban areas.