Volunteer Glasgow medics resort to wearing body cameras due to rising attacks
We exclusively spent a night with the team at Glasgow Street Aid as Celtic Premiership title celebrations got messy at the weekend.
Last updated 20th May 2024
Volunteer medics helping people on the streets of Glasgow at night say they feel they have no other option but to wear body cameras due to rising attacks.
The team at Glasgow Street Aid has recorded 25 aggressive incidents in the space of just two weekends.
Clyde 1 News Senior Reporter, Callum McQuade, had exclusive access to the volunteers on duty on Saturday night, when the Merchant City was filled with an estimated 25 thousand Celtic supporters celebrating their Premiership title in, in addition to the regular crowds at the city's night spots.
John Barclay, who founded the charity, told said: "When I started this organisation, I never thought this would be something we would have to do.
"My team is getting abused, spat at, objects thrown at them and we are on the receiving end of general nastiness.
"These body cameras are necessary to help keep us all safe and produce the evidence of violence to hand to police - it is an unfortunate situation."
Earlier in the evening our reporters witnesses the Celtic Premiership title celebrations in the Trongate turning messy at the weekend.
"They're being physically assaulted while doing voluntary work"
Four officers were injured as they tried to control thousands of fans who could be seen climbing traffic lights and bus shelters.
A total of 19 arrests were made.
John added: "These guys are not getting paid to go out at weekends and treat people.
"They're being physically assaulted while doing voluntary work, it's absolutely shocking.
"The cameras we have are full HD and the footage can be shared with a police officer immediately."
The charity started back in October 2020 and has helped nearly 5,000 patients which has alleviated pressure on the NHS and other statutory services.
"I've been punched in the nose"
Saturday was one of its busiest nights in history.
Ross Murray is a student paramedic and said: "I've been punched in the nose while on shift.
"It really hurt and it is a shame we are getting assaulted when we are just trying to help others.
"It isn't just us, the police and ambulance service are being targeted too.
"The only reason any of us want to do this is to make the place safer."
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