NSW Ambulance chief executive Ray Creen is concerned at the increased number of violent acts against paramedics after two were threatened at Blakehurst last month.
After responding to a call on February 15, the male and female paramedic were threatened by a man with a screwdriver.
An Ambulance spokeswoman said the paramedics came to treat and help the man.
Since January 1, there have been 35 reported incidents of violence against paramedics in NSW.
Mr Creen said paramedics were on the road to potentially save lives and should not have to face the fear of an assault each time they responded to a triple-0 call for assistance.
He said NSW Ambulance had launched its ‘If you hurt a paramedic…’ campaign in December to curb the violence.
“Our paramedics are being punched, spat on, physically threatened and terrorised,” Mr Creen said.
“It is unconscionable that they are heading out with a view to rendering medical assistance and ending up requiring treatment themselves.
“Such harm ranges from physical injury to emotional and psychological impact which sometimes prevents a paramedic from returning to the road.
“It is sad indictment on society when a paramedic becomes increasingly vulnerable to attack and it is a situation NSW Ambulance will not tolerate.’’
See related story: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/1985789/assaults-on-paramedics-rise/
Have you seen a paramedic assaulted? What do you think needs to be done.
