Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Cameras put the focus on staff safety..
Ambulance crews get new devices
NORTHERN Ireland ambulance workers have started using bodyworn cameras from today in a bid to reduce violent attacks.
The trial, involving staff at an East Belfast station, comes after crews have in the last five years been attacked with weapons including a tomahawk hatchet, knuckle-duster and snooker balls.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said 2021/2022 figures show their workers are facing “around 13 acts of aggression” per week.
Sources said there have been reductions in violent attacks of up to 25% in UK areas where the devices have been introduced.
Mark Cochrane, assistant director of operations with the
NIAS, said increasing attacks were behind the decision to introduce the cameras.
He added: “The unacceptable nature and increasing frequency of assaults on our crews has necessitated us introducing a pilot of body-worn cameras in the Belfast area where most attacks take place.
“We would hope that the visibility of the cameras and the warning from staff that the camera may be switched on will act as a deterrent to those who may be prone to engaging in this activity.
“But we must stress that we will not hesitate to use any footage that may help a prosecution of such people.”
A NIAS spokesman said it “has a duty of care to both its service users and its staff and in recent years we have witnessed increased levels of aggression, violence and harm caused to our staff while on duty”. They added: “It has substantial and long-term impacts on the physical and psychological wellbeing of staff.
“This ongoing issue has serious, long-term impacts on the trust’s ability and capacity to deliver its services.”