Body-cams for paramedics
PARAMEDICS will begin wearing body cameras following a huge increase in attacks while on emergency calls.
North East Ambulance Service, where assaults on frontline staff have soared 23 per cent in a year, will be the first in the country to trial the cameras from this weekend.
More than 350 prosecutions have been brought nationally over the past year, but the true scale of the problem is believed to be far greater.
Camera footage will be used to provide evidence to police and will be admissible in court. But it is hoped it will be an extra deterrent to prevent attacks in the first place.
If successful, the camera scheme will be rolled out nationally.
The camera trial follows the newly-introduced Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill, in which those who attack 999 crews will face tougher jail terms.
Alan Gallagher, head of risk at NEAS, said: “From previous reports, we know most circumstances happen away from CCTV-covered areas.
“Using body-worn video cameras will mean our staff can record evidence of abuse or assaults when they happen, such as in a residential property attending to a patient.
“There really is nothing more disheartening than being hurt by someone that you’ve gone to help.
“We will continue to work on measures to reduce assaults.
“We encourage all NHS colleagues not to tolerate such behaviour.”