**Ambulance Crew Attacked During Political Campaign in Tamil Nadu**
An ambulance crew responding to a medical emergency faced a violent attack while en route to assist a man who had collapsed during a political rally for AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Sunday. The incident occurred as EPS was set to address gatherings in Mannachanallur, Thuraiyur, and Musiri.
Before EPS arrived in Thuraiyur, a large crowd had assembled on Athur Road, prompting a call for a 108 ambulance after a man fainted. As the ambulance attempted to maneuver through the densely packed crowd, the driver and a female technician were surrounded, assaulted, and their vehicle was vandalized. Fortunately, police intervened, rescuing the crew and transporting them to a hospital for treatment.
The ambulance driver recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “We received a call about someone collapsing near MSK Mandapam. When we tried to reach the location, the crowd blocked us, questioning our presence and accusing us of trying to disrupt the meeting. They damaged the vehicle and attacked us.” The technician, who is pregnant, was forcibly removed from the ambulance and is now suffering from neck and shoulder pain. Videos of the attack have since circulated widely on social media.
This incident follows EPS’s recent claims during a campaign in Anaicut, Vellore district, where he accused the DMK government of intentionally dispatching empty ambulances to disrupt his rallies. He alleged that this tactic had occurred at “at least 30 meetings,” warning, “If an empty ambulance comes, the person driving the vehicle will become the patient.”
An ambulance driver present at the Anaicut rally also reported being manhandled by AIADMK supporters before being allowed to assist a patient, raising concerns among health workers regarding their safety during political events.
In response to these allegations, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramaniam criticized EPS’s behavior, labeling it “indecent” and highlighting that the state operates 1,330 ambulances dedicated to life-saving services across both rural and urban areas.
As political tensions rise, the safety of emergency medical personnel remains a critical concern, emphasizing the need for a secure environment for those providing essential services.
**FAQ**
**What should be done to ensure the safety of ambulance crews during political events?**
To ensure the safety of ambulance crews during political events, it is crucial to establish clear communication between event organizers and emergency services, implement designated routes for ambulances, and provide adequate security measures to protect medical personnel from potential violence.
