Know this is clear: zero tolerance on abuse to paramedics

Grampians regional director Chris James reiterated the zero tolerance approach for his crews to any form of abuse in what he said was an occupational hazard. 

“Violence (to paramedics) has increasingly become an issue for us. Our paramedics have our full support not to enter a scene if they feel there is a risk,” Mr James said. “No person should expect to take abuse at work.

“We need community help and we need the community to understand if paramedics are abused, physically or verbally they will leave.”

Mr James said it was hard to pinpoint exact reasons for the rise in verbal and physical assault in paramedics but the Grampians mirrored what was a statewide issue.

Every 50 hours a Victorian paramedic experiences physical or verbal violence and last year 138 paramedics were physically injured from abuse.

Mr James said any form of abuse was unacceptable. 

This is a message with the full backing of police local area commander Dan Davison who said too often excess alcohol consumption in the festive season fuelled violent incidents – and unfortunately people tended to turn on emergency services personnel.

Inspector Davison said police would not hesitate to charge for assault this holiday period.

“That sort of behaviour will not be tolerated,” Inspector Davison said. 

“The message is really clear. Assaults on members of the community are never acceptable and certainly this extends to police, PSOs (protective services officers) and other emergency services workers that we work with on a daily basis.”

Paramedics will not approach places deemed locations of interest unless police are on scene due to safety concerns. This is an Ambulance Victoria guideline.

But Mr James said violent behaviour towards paramedics was not contained to such locations of interest.

Inspector Davison said this was timely to remind everyone to be patient and to drink responsibly this festive season.

“In Ballarat we all know the place thaws out between October and March so people in Ballarat tend to drink a little bit more during this time. My message is clear and that is, please, if you’re going to have a drink don’t drink too much,” Inspector Davidson said.

“Drink responsibly and make sure when you’re out with mates you look after each other. We don’t want to anyone to fall foul of drinking too much this Christmas season.”

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.