Body cams for ambulance crews as attacks soar 23%

AMBULANCE crews are to trial body-worn cameras after a 23% rise in assaults by patients this year.

Some 40 staff will pilot the scheme for three months, with images used to bring more prosecutions, said North East Ambulance Service.

As well as the surge in attacks, the number of addresses flagged as needing caution or being potentially violent has also risen in DISHEARTENED Alan Gallagher the area covering Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Co Durham and Teesside. Head of risk Alan Gallagher said: “Most of these circumstances happen away from CCTV. Cameras will mean our staff can record evidence. There is nothing more disheartening than being hurt by someone you’ve gone to help.”

Virgin Trains said yesterday attacks on staff fell from 20 in March to six in September after body cameras were issued.