IN MY VIEW

WHEN it comes to issues like this, I have little sympathy for people who find themselves on so-called “no-go lists”.

No-one deserves to go to work and face the prospect of violence – let alone paramedics whose core duty it is to help people.

Yes, emergency situations can be stressful.

But to resort to physical aggression against our ambulance men and women is completely unacceptable.

If you do, why should paramedics be forced to run the gauntlet of potential violence again?

Obviously, there should be checks made to ensure there are no mistakes in the system but once you are on the list, that’s game over as far as I’m concerned.

You are on this list and then subsequently hurt yourself and need to go to hospital in an ambulance? Get a taxi. I’m sorry, but the opportunity for travelling there in an ambulance has been lost by your violent behaviour.

Regardless of its problems, the building blocks of the NHS and healthcare in this country are sound.

Being able to get an ambulance to your home is a right.

But rights also require responsibilities.

Most of the people who find themselves on this list have failed to live up to basic responsibilities.

As well as what paramedics face, the current system places a strain on other emergency services and families.

Are some missing out on ambulances because of the rigmarole of sending crews with police?

This may well be the case.

The police could undoubtedly be doing other things instead of escorting ambulances to these trouble addresses.

So-called “no-go” homes should be just that – no-go.