Key Takeaways
- Ambulance Victoria is urging the public to treat paramedics with respect after a reported increase in violent incidents against them over the Christmas period.
- There were 10 "very serious offences" committed against paramedics in a three-day window over Christmas, including physical and verbal assaults.
- The recent violence is part of a long-term rise in assaults against emergency services workers, with Ambulance Victoria calling for the community to treat paramedics with kindness and respect.
- The violence is not only perpetrated by patients, but also by bystanders and family members who are interfering with the care provided by paramedics.
- Paramedics are subject to increasing levels of violence, with many reporting feeling vulnerable and requiring a constant state of "hypervigilance" while on the job.
Introduction to the Issue
Ambulance Victoria is pleading with the public to treat paramedics with respect after a disturbing increase in violent incidents against them over the Christmas period. The recent violence is part of a long-term rise in assaults against emergency services workers, with Ambulance Victoria calling for the community to treat paramedics with kindness and respect. According to Ambulance Victoria regional director of operations Vanessa Gorman, the recent violence against paramedics has been particularly frequent and confronting, with 10 "very serious offences" committed against them in a three-day window over Christmas.
The Nature of the Incidents
The incidents reported by Ambulance Victoria are alarming and highlight the risks faced by paramedics while on the job. These incidents included a female paramedic being touched multiple times inappropriately, paramedics being punched in the chest, spat on, and even having a stethoscope used against them as a weapon. Additionally, paramedics had to abandon an ambulance while a patient caused damage to its interior. The severity of these incidents is a concern for Ambulance Victoria, with Ms. Gorman stating that "it’s the worst I’ve ever seen it in 30 years of emergency work." The fact that paramedics are being subjected to such violence is unacceptable and highlights the need for the community to treat them with respect and kindness.
The Causes of the Violence
According to Ambulance Victoria’s Andrew Burns, the festive period is a time when violent incidents against emergency services personnel tend to increase. This is due to a range of factors, including increased alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and risk-taking behavior. However, the violence is not only perpetrated by patients, but also by bystanders and family members who are interfering with the care provided by paramedics. Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery noted that "far too often, alcohol is a factor" in the violence, and that it is often the result of bystanders or family members who are interfering with the care provided by paramedics.
The Impact on Paramedics
The violence against paramedics is having a significant impact on their well-being and ability to do their job. Paramedic Luke Harrington, who was reportedly assaulted while on the job, described how the incident had left him feeling vulnerable and requiring a constant state of "hypervigilance" while on the job. Mr. Harrington noted that the job now requires paramedics to be constantly wondering if there is a stranger or patient who could escalate in that moment, adding an element of pressure to an already stressful job. The lack of security and protective equipment for paramedics is also a concern, with Mr. Harrington noting that "until the police get there, it’s really just a matter of de-escalating and luck."
Conclusion and Call to Action
The recent violence against paramedics is a concern for Ambulance Victoria and highlights the need for the community to treat them with respect and kindness. The fact that paramedics are being subjected to such violence is unacceptable, and it is essential that the community takes action to prevent it. Ambulance Victoria is urging the public to treat paramedics with respect, kindness, and grace, not only during the festive period but throughout the year. By working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for paramedics to do their job and provide the care that is needed. As Ms. Gorman noted, "please, in the community, treat our paramedics with respect, kindness, and grace, not only in this period but through 2026 and beyond."