Eurovision Countdown:

Open search Close search

Close menu

Latest

North West Ambulance Service to trial body-cams to reduce violent attacks

2 years ago

By The Guide Liverpool

North West Ambulance Service to trial body-cams to reduce violent attacks

Ambulance crews in the North West are set to be equipped with body worn video cameras in a bid to reduce violence and aggression against frontline staff.

As part of a national pilot, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) will be rolling out the cameras from 31 March. It will start in areas that see the highest number of incidents of abuse against staff.

Central Manchester, East Lancashire and parts of Merseyside will be the first to use the new kit.

Medics will be able to press a button to record if a patient or member of the public becomes threatening or aggressive. The footage can then be used in court to aid prosecutions.

Paramedic Kristoffer Fairhurst, based in Burnley, will be amongst the first to use the cameras. He said: “Sadly it is all too common for frontline staff to be subject to violence by the very people we are trying to help.  I have worked for the ambulance service for 13 years and during that time I have been kicked, spat at, shouted at and even threatened with a knife.

“This should not be happening and I am hoping that these cameras will give us an extra level of protection to deter incidents of abuse as well as assist with prosecutions and make staff feel safer.”

In 2020, almost 400 incidents of physical assaults were reported against staff in the North West, a rise of 4% since 2018 despite lockdown measures in place. In addition, there were 1,061 incidents of verbal abuse or threatening behaviour reported.

Director of Operations Ged Blezard said:

“Our staff work day in, day out to protect and care for their patients, they do not deserve to be subject to abuse and assaults.

“It’s a top priority for us to keep our staff safe and this is a huge step towards reducing violence and aggression against them. Not only will this aid in prosecutions of offenders but it is hoped to help de-escalate situations and avoid attacks from even taking place”

NWAS has a dedicated violence and aggression group that has been set up to proactively target frequent offenders and work with the police and partner agencies to put sanctions in place where possible.

Tags

You May Also Like Don't Miss

<strong>Alder Hey renews appeal for ‘virtual’ eggs to make Easter egg-stra special for patients</strong>

Family

Alder Hey renews appeal for ‘virtual’ eggs to make Easter egg-stra special for patients

Winners announced for Liverpool Hospitality People Awards as over £25k raised for charity on the night

Food & Drink

Winners announced for Liverpool Hospitality People Awards as over £25k raised for charity on the night

A beer festival with over 200 different beers is happening in Wirral over Easter weekend

Food & Drink

A beer festival with over 200 different beers is happening in Wirral over Easter weekend

Liverpool 8 community showcased at new display at Museums of Liverpool

Art

Liverpool 8 community showcased at new display at Museums of Liverpool

View More

The Guide Liverpool

About Us

We showcase the very best of Liverpool City Region through stunning video features and keep residents and visitors updated on what's on and what's good. About Us

The Guide Liverpool

Meet Our Team 👋

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse quis eros sit amet mi eleifend tincidunt. Donec porttitor risus eros, vitae dapibus augue pharetra a. Maecenas vulputate purus in eros faucibus rhoncus. Meet Our Team

The Guide Liverpool

Video Production & Advertising

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse quis eros sit amet mi eleifend tincidunt. Services