Swedish EMS Rises to the Challenge of Multiculturalism

“A young man might throw stones at a fire truck or an ambulance,” says Janina Sabra, 31, as she strides into her office at a youth center in rough-and-tumble east Gothenburg, Sweden. “But he won’t throw them at his friend—he won’t throw them at ‘Uncle Daniel.’” Sabra should know. The managing director of Person Behind the Uniform (PBU)—an innovative community outreach program designed to bring young people and first responders together—she has undeniable street cred. Forward thinking: Janina Sabra, managing director of the Man Behind the Uniform. Photo Mark S. Weiner After all, she grew up in one of the score of districts that police authorities here deem “especially vulnerable areas”—the Swedish equivalent of the hood. Jobs are scarce, and alienation runs high in these outlying suburbs, the majority of whose residents are non-European immigrants and their children. The child of immigrants herself, Sabra understands why teenagers, especially second-generation boys, might throw stones at an emergency vehicle. In the logic of the street, mischief can create honor. She’s just out to set them straight. For EMS in Sweden, treating patients in the face of sporadic anti-social behavior—or worse, gang violence—can pose a challenge. Ambulances are sometimes forced to wait for police escort before entering vulnerable areas. This lengthens response times. It also  erodes public trust—the same dynamic that in the United States gave rise to the 19...
Source: JEMS Administration and Leadership - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: International Top Story Exclusive Articles Administration and Leadership Source Type: news