Violence Against Paramedics

“On average a paramedic is assaulted in Victoria every 50 hours. Last year 147 paramedics were assaulted.” These haunting statistics from Ambulance Victoria highlight the need for tougher consequences for those who assault on duty paramedics. With tougher sentencing, paramedics will feel safer at work,

Everyone has the right to feel safe at work. Paramedics who are helping people when they are at their most vulnerable, are no exception. They shouldn't have to be confronted with violence and aggression from patients, family members, friends or bystanders. The effects of verbal, physical and emotional abuse can leave paramedics with outstanding mental health problems that inhibit their ability to work and can cause problems in their personal lives. My brother, Paul Judd, who was attacked by two women when he was attempting to tend to a patient had his was repeatedly kicked and punched and resulted in a broken foot. He has not been able to work due to the multiple surgeries he required for his foot. As well as a physical injury, Paul developed post traumatic stress disorder from the attack and this is a struggle that affects his everyday life. I have first handedly have seen the devastating effects of Paul’s physical and mental problems on his life. As a paramedic of over 40 years, his career was cut short by the careless act of two women when Paul was trying to do his job, to help someone.

Paramedics play a vital role in the community. They help, treat and tend to patients at their most desperate time. Paramedics are highly skilled and trained professionals. To succeed at their job. They need to be resilient and be able to take on any task or situation that may arise. The unpredictability of the nature of their next task is high and paramedics need to adapt easily in a multitude of situations.

Justice for an assaulted paramedic can be important for a message to be spread.