Not enough is done to ensure the safety of paramedics

Just today I spoke to Jonathan Fox, a good friend of mine, ex-spokesman of the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel and a paramedic with more than 30 years of operational front-line experience in London.

When I explained to him that I was writing this article, I also decided to ask him for his honest opinion on this issue.

Jonathan answered as follows:

‘You can never eliminate the risk of assault on staff. The risk of injury can, however, be minimised significantly by the provision of body armour for front-line ambulance personnel. Good radio communication, computerised flagging systems relating to previous violent incidents by specific individuals, national physical assault reporting systems and conflict resolution training are measures commonly used in the work place. These measures are however undermined by the absence of body armour provision, which provides effective personal protection, completing the package of measures necessary for a safer working environment should the worst case scenario occur.’