Guildford paramedics to trial 'bodycams' to deter abuse and violence
SECAmb staff reported over 450 incidents of physical or verbal attacks last year
Last updated 1st Jun 2021
Paramedics in Guildford are to trial body-worn cameras in a bid to deter aggression and violence towards emergency crews.
The year-long study by South East Coast Ambulance Service will see 400 ‘bodycams’ given to staff across five areas covered by the Trust - Thanet, Medway, Gatwick, Brighton and Guildford.
It is also hoped footage could be used to aid future prosecutions against perpetrators, with SECAmb staff reporting over 450 incidents of physical or verbal abuse towards them last year.
SECAmb Executive Director of Operations, Emma Williams, said: “One assault against a member of staff is one too many.
“Our staff should expect to be able to come to work and care for people without the risk of violence or abuse.
“Sadly, there are a small number of individuals who seem to think this kind of behaviour is acceptable.”
She added: “We are keen to establish if body-worn cameras can help to further protect our staff by acting as a deterrent and also provide valuable evidence for use in court.
“We will study the findings of the trial closely and also continue to work with police colleagues across our region and ambulance services nationally to tackle this issue that the huge majority of the public find abhorrent.”