General News
21 December, 2023
Violence rises against south west paramedics
AMBULANCE Victoria has called out “horrific behaviour” after south west paramedics experienced more than 30 instances of violence over the past few months.
Ambulance Victoria raised concerns instances of occupational violence experienced by paramedics had increased 14 per cent across Victoria.
Of the 580 cases reported last financial year, 41 occurred in the Barwon South West region.
This trend looked to be continuing, with 33 incidents reported by Barwon South West paramedics from July to November.
Barwon South West regional director Jessica McGowan said Ambulance Victoria had zero tolerance for threatening behaviour, abuse and assaults.
“We’ve seen horrific behaviour recently, including paramedics being spat on, hit with a closed fist, a patient punching a vehicle with the crew trapped inside and even had a random bystander hurl a hammer at an ambulance,” she said.
“We have zero tolerance for these disgusting and illegal acts, and we do not accept occupational violence as 'part of the job’.”
The Victorian Labor Government passed the Sentencing Amendment (Emergency Worker Harm) Bill 2020 which compels courts to impose a minimum six-month jail sentence on those convicted of recklessly or intentionally injuring an emergency worker on duty.
While the sentencing changes were designed to serve as a deterrence, Ms McGowan said it was vital paramedics be in a safe environment, free from aggression and abuse, to perform their lifesaving duties.
“Our people’s safety comes first, and they will always be supported not to enter a scene or to retreat if they believe they are at risk,” she said.
“For us to provide treatment to you or your loved ones, we need a safe environment to work in.
“We recognise emergency situations can be stressful but becoming angry or aggressive will not help you or the patient paramedics are trying to help.
“For our paramedics to provide treatment to you or your loved one, they need a safe environment to work in.”
As the festive season approaches, respect towards all emergency service personnel should be paramount.
“Many Victorians are out celebrating at this time of year, but for our paramedics it’s one of the busiest and toughest periods,” Ms McGowan said.
“We ask all Barwon South West residents to help our paramedics care for the community by being respectful towards them and if you are involved in an emergency incident, doing your bit to assist.”