Attacks on ambulance workers has risen by over a third in the last five years. With over 3,500 attacks reported last year, ambulance staff will now be given body cameras.
A trial has already begun in collaboration with the London Ambulance Service. Gary Watson took part in the trial after experiencing an attack in 2018, along with three of his colleagues. Gary’s injuries include torn ligaments, a damaged shoulder and serious injuries to his face and neck.
He actively supports the introduction of body cameras, believing it would have helped prevent him having to go through the stress of testifying in court. Still today, Gary questions if he will experience violence on the next job radioed in.
The NHS is planning to introduce the camera’s to all 10 of England’s NHS trust by the end of the month.The chief people officer for NHS England, Prerana Isaar, says “Every member of the NHS has a fundamental right to remain safe.” She continues that it is a “top priority” to eliminate violence and abuse.
Will body cameras help keep ambulance staff safe?
NHS England explains the body camera’s will start at the touch of a button. It will begin to record aggressive or abusive behaviour. Steve Prowis, NHS England Medical Director, believes the initial findings show this will be a successful rollout.
Explaining that the camera’s not only help the staff feel safer, but can de-escalate situations where aggression and abuse is a possibility. The rollout did see a rise in assaults in the London Ambulance System.
Health minister Nadine Dorries says the trial of the cameras has reduced incidents, although it has only been trialled on a small number so far.
Since 2018, judges have more power in handing out severe sentences to those who attack emergency workers. Nadine adds that they have “doubled” the maximum sentence for attacking an emergency worker. They are continuing to “take action to protect staff against violence, aggression and discrimination”
In an extension to the rollout, Northern Ireland and Wales is considering introducing body camera’s to their emergency workers. The Scottish ambulance service has not commented.
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