Sweden emergency services faced another violent attack when fireworks were shot at an ambulance in Landskrona on Friday night. The incident occurred near Dammhagsparken, a residential area in the coastal city. Police were alerted and dispatched multiple patrols to search the scene. No injuries were reported, and it remains unclear if the ambulance was struck. Authorities have not identified any suspects.
A Dangerous Night in Landskrona
Patric Fors, a police press spokesperson, confirmed the alarming report. "Rockets are said to have been shot at an ambulance," he said. "We have several police patrols out and about around Dammhagsparken." The attack represents a direct threat to public safety. It happened during an ordinary emergency call, turning a routine response into a potentially deadly situation. For the ambulance crew, a shift dedicated to saving lives was interrupted by an act of aggression.
Landskrona, a city of about 33,000 people, is known for its historic castle and coastal setting. Incidents like this shock communities that rely on fast, unimpeded emergency care. "I have no information that we have done so at present," Fors said regarding any arrests. The investigation is ongoing, but the immediate aftermath leaves more questions than answers. Why would someone target those coming to help?
A Recurring Threat to Swedish First Responders
This is not an isolated event. Attacks on ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles have become a persistent problem in Sweden. They often occur in neighborhoods experiencing social challenges. In 2022 alone, the Swedish Work Environment Authority recorded 358 reports of violence and threats against ambulance personnel. That number represents a significant occupational hazard for paramedics and drivers.
A 2020 study by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention provided stark context. It found that emergency responders face a substantially higher risk of violence compared to other professions. These are not random acts of mischief. They are targeted actions that hinder critical services. When an ambulance is forced to retreat or wait for police escort, minutes are lost. In medical emergencies, those minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
Experts point to a complex mix of causes. Social exclusion, deep-seated distrust of authorities, and general antisocial behavior in certain areas create a volatile environment. For some individuals, the uniform of a paramedic or the flashing blue lights represent an extension of a system they feel has failed them. The result is a dangerous hostility directed at the very people tasked with aiding everyone, regardless of background.
The Human Cost Beyond the Headlines
The statistics tell one story. The daily reality for emergency crews tells another. Johan, a paramedic in Stockholm who asked to use only his first name, describes the constant low-grade anxiety. "You never know if a call will turn dangerous," he says. "We're focused on the patient, but part of you is always scanning the scene. It's exhausting." He recalls rocks thrown at his ambulance and verbal threats becoming commonplace.
This environment forces changes in procedure. In some areas, ambulances may not enter a location until police have secured it. This protocol, born from necessity, creates potentially deadly delays. The Swedish Association of Health Professionals consistently highlights this issue. They argue that the safety of their members is fundamental to a functioning healthcare system. An attack on an ambulance is an attack on society's safety net.
Searching for Solutions in a Divided Climate
Law enforcement officials condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. They emphasize the severe consequences for public safety. Possible solutions are debated, ranging from increased penalties for assaulting emergency workers to broader social initiatives. Some suggest reinforced windows and vehicle security for ambulances. Others argue that only addressing root causes like integration, education, and employment will create lasting change.
The incident in Landskrona will likely reignite this discussion. It comes at a time when Swedish society is intensely debating crime, segregation, and the role of authorities. The attack on a universally respected institution—the emergency medical service—crosses a line for many Swedes. It challenges the core principle of trygghet, or security, that is central to the national self-image.
A Community's Reliance on Unseen Heroes
As the police continue their investigation in Landskrona, the broader question remains. How does Sweden protect its protectors? The ambulance crews who responded to the call are back on duty. They continue to serve, navigating the same streets where they were targeted. Their commitment stands in stark contrast to the act that threatened them.
For international observers, such incidents may seem incongruent with Sweden's peaceful reputation. Yet they highlight the tensions simmering in parts of the country. The safety of emergency services is a benchmark for societal stability. When that safety is compromised, it signals a deeper malaise. The fireworks shot into the dark sky near Dammhagsparken were not a celebration. They were a distress signal, illuminating a problem Sweden must solve.