South-west ambulance workers could get body worn cameras after spike in assaults
The trust, which operates from Cornwall to Gloucestershire, is considering it after staff reported hundreds of incidents during the pandemic
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
Cornwall's ambulance workers could be given body worn cameras after a spike in assaults during the pandemic.
There has been a 33% increase in violent and aggressive behaviour towards staff working for South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust since the start of the first lockdown.
From 24th March 2020 to the 23rd March 2021, employees reported 1,747 incidents - a rise of over 30% on the previous 12 months.
These included 515 cases of verbal abuse, 447 incidents of aggressive behaviour and 322 physical assaults.
Paramedics have been on the receiving end of punches, kicks and even spat at during the Covid crisis.
'Unacceptable behaviour from a minority of patients'
Paramedic Mike Jones, SWASFT's Violence Reduction Lead, is now urging residents across our region to "respect" the trust's staff and "help them to help you".
"Sadly our people are victim every day to unacceptable behaviour from a minority of patients and other members of the public, while they are serving the communities of the South West and saving lives.
"Any such incident can have a lasting impact on them, their loved ones, and other colleagues.
"We take whatever is necessary to protect our people from harm, including doing all we can to ensure offenders are prosecuted through the criminal justice system".
To reduce the number of these incidents occurring, Mr Jones has confirmed that SWASFT is planning on introducing body cameras.
The Trust hopes this will help bring anyone abusing staff members to justice and assist police with finding culprits.
"Our message to people who decide to abuse and assault our staff is very clear," he told us.
"If you're one of those small select people that think it's appropriate, we will find you and do everything we can within our power that you get prosecuted for your actions".
Paramedic Mike Jones
You can read more about the specific cases of abuse and assaults against our ambulance workers here.