Julia Fatum, a New York City EMT, was stabbed eight times in the back of her ambulance by a patient nearly a year ago, resulting in hospitalization and ongoing physical and psychological challenges. During a routine night shift, responding to a call about a man having heart trouble, Fatum found herself in a life-threatening situation when the patient, Rudolph Garcia, became agitated and pulled out a kitchen knife. Despite her efforts to escape, Garcia stabbed her multiple times, causing severe injuries and necessitating immediate medical attention.
Following the attack, Fatum underwent three surgeries and continues to struggle with nerve damage in her left arm, which may never fully recover. Additionally, she experiences psychological trauma, including PTSD and nightmares. Despite the significant impact on her life, Fatum is determined to advocate for better protections for first responders. She has started a petition calling for improved safety measures for emergency medical workers, including issuing bullet and stab-proof vests and offering self-defense courses for EMTs. Fatum aims to increase criminal penalties for those found guilty of assaulting EMS Providers to prevent future attacks.
Reflecting on the attack, Fatum described the harrowing experience of feeling like she was going to die while being repeatedly stabbed by Garcia. The incident left her with physical and emotional scars that she continues to grapple with. Even though she has not yet returned to work, Fatum is committed to pursuing her career goals in the healthcare field. She is preparing to begin a physician’s assistant program at Rutgers University and remains focused on her recovery and future aspirations despite the trauma she has endured.
In the aftermath of the attack, Fatum has been vocal about the prevalence of violence against EMTs and other emergency workers in New York City. She highlighted the importance of addressing this issue and implementing changes to ensure the safety of those who put their lives on the line to help others. Fatum’s case was particularly severe, but she emphasized that attacks on emergency workers happen daily, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assault. By sharing her story and advocating for better protections, Fatum hopes to prevent future incidents and create a safer working environment for all first responders.
Statistics show a concerning rise in attacks on FDNY EMTs, indicating a growing trend of violence against emergency medical workers. Fatum’s petition for increased safety measures has garnered support from hundreds of individuals who recognize the need for enhanced protections for those in the healthcare field. As she continues her recovery and pursues her education, Fatum remains determined to overcome the trauma of the attack and create positive change for herself and her colleagues. Her resilience and advocacy serve as a testament to her strength and dedication to improving the safety and well-being of all emergency medical workers.
