Paramedics issued body cams after surge in violent attacks

New laws in 2018 mean tougher sentences for those found guilty of attacking ambulance crews

Gary Watson, based at Croydon Ambulance Station, was violently assaulted by a drunk patient three years ago ( )

Paramedics in London have started wearing body cameras after a 34 per cent jump in the number of violent attacks on ambulance crews.

A trial of the technology is being rolled out across the capital in areas where workers are thought to be more at risk based on past incidents.

Paramedics can press a button to start recording if patients or the public become aggressive or abusive towards them.

London Ambulance Service told The Independent there had been an increase in physical assaults in recent years. Attacks jumped from 468 in the financial year 2018-19 to 625 in the year 2019-20, a 34 per cent rise.

By the end of January in the latest financial year, the number of attacks had already hit 529.

This included kicking, punching, headbutting, biting and spitting. There have also been 31 assaults with weapons.

During the same period, there were 834 incidents of verbal abuse and threats.

Gary Watson, based at Croydon Ambulance Station, will be one of the first staff members to wear a camera. He was violently assaulted by a drunk patient three years ago.

He said: “We need these cameras. We get up every day to help people, not to be severely beaten.

“Wearing these cameras should act as a deterrent and if it doesn’t then at least there will be evidence which will hopefully mean tougher sentences for criminals.”

Mr Watson, 33, suffered a torn ligament and serious injuries to his face, throat and neck in the attack in January 2018. Two other medics were also injured and a fourth badly shaken. A man was found guilty and later given a suspended sentence.

So far this financial year, 27 people have been successfully prosecuted for attacks on ambulance staff – 18 were sent to prison.

Changes in the law in 2018 mean anyone found guilty of attacking emergency workers or volunteers can be jailed for 12 months, while those guilty of more serious cases of assault can face two years in prison.

Initially, the body cameras will be worn by staff based in Croydon, South Croydon, Edmonton and Chase Farm. A second phase of the trial will extend this to stations in Greenwich, Barnehurst, Whipps Cross, Newham and West Ham.

Garrett Emmerson, London Ambulance Service chief executive, said: “Nobody should feel unsafe or threatened at work – particularly our crews and call handlers who continue to make huge sacrifices to care for patients and have never worked harder.

“Looking after our people, keeping them safe and supporting their wellbeing is our top priority.

“It is shameful that our staff and volunteers can be abused while caring for others and we will always push for the prosecution of anyone who attacks them.”