North East Ambulance Service supporting staff who are abused or attacked
North East Ambulance Service say they have resources available to all colleagues
Last updated 9 hours ago
We're hearing how body-worn cameras and vehicle CCTV is being used by the North East Ambulance Service to act as a deterrent against abuse and attacks.
They say they've seen over the last 12 months, a 47.13% increase in reported violence and aggression incidents, equating to an average of around 150 incidents every month.
This includes verbal abuse, intimidating and disruptive behaviour, physical abuse, sexual abuse and hate related incidents.
Darren Green, head of operations at North East Ambulance Service, said: "Our staff come to work to care for others - they should be able to do this without being abused or attacked.
“To help support our staff and keep them safe we provide body-worn cameras and vehicle CCTV that act both as a deterrent, as well as capturing key evidence for a prosecution.
“We work closely with our local police forces as well as with national partners including AACE, NHS England, NHS resolution and NHS employers to raise awareness and tackle these issues.
“Any form of assault or abuse can put the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our staff at risk, and in some cases, people have been known to leave their jobs. We have a range of welfare, occupational health, TRiM (trauma risk management) and mental maintenance resources available to all colleagues to support our colleagues.
“We will not tolerate the abuse of our staff they should feel valued by those they help and safe to carry out their duties. They work in the most difficult conditions with patients who are often at their most vulnerable. If you do come into contact with any of our staff, please treat them with courtesy and respect."