Paramedics in Staffordshire and Cheshire hope new body cameras will reduce violent attacks
It follows incidents of responders being kicked, spat at and even threatened with knives
Last updated 31st Mar 2021
Paramedics across Staffordshire and Cheshire say they're hoping to see a huge fall in violent attacks against them as they start using body cameras for the first time from today.
There has been a rise in physical and verbal assaults towards paramedics over the last year. West Midlands Ambulance Service, which covers Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, reported more than 1200 incidents and North West Ambulance Service, which covers Cheshire, dealt with almost 400.
The new tech is expected to be in the hands of paramedics today, 31st March 2021.
Medics will be able to press a button to record if a patient or member of the public becomes threatening or aggressive. The footage can then be used in court to aid prosecutions.
Paramedic Kristoffer Fairhurst will be among the first to use the cameras.
He told us: “Sadly it is all too common for frontline staff to be subject to violence by the very people we are trying to help.
“I have worked for the ambulance service for 13 years and during that time I have been kicked, spat at, shouted at and even threatened with a knife.
“This should not be happening and I am hoping that these cameras will give us an extra level of protection to deter incidents of abuse as well as assist with prosecutions and make staff feel safer.”
Kristoffer added that in 2020 there were hundreds of physical assaults reported against staff with a rise of nearly 5% since 2018 despite lockdown measures in place.
In addition, there were thousands of incidents of verbal abuse or threatening behaviour reported.
Director of Operations Ged Blezard said: “Our staff work day in, day out to protect and care for their patients, they do not deserve to be subject to abuse and assaults.
“It’s a top priority for us to keep our staff safe and this is a huge step towards reducing violence and aggression against them. Not only will this aid in prosecutions of offenders but it is hoped to help de-escalate situations and avoid attacks from even taking place”
A dedicated violence and aggression group has been set up to proactively target frequent offenders and work with the police and partner agencies to put sanctions in place where possible.