A few nights ago some of my colleagues attended building where a girl had fallen from a balcony and landed a few floors down on another one. She was very badly hurt. When they arrived they were set upon by several people at the scene. The news story is here. Although I personally don't know the crews involved very well, I have met them enough to know they are not gung-ho types who would walk in being in any way confrontational. These people were good ambos trying to do their job helping someone who was critically injured and they were assaulted by 'friends' of the patient who were upset she wasn't being treated. It just doesn't make any sense. Their behaviour actually delayed access to their friend and thereby seriously delayed treatment.
In 2004, the Victorian State Government introduced legislation to protect paramedics responding to emergency calls. This was following public outcry after a horrendous attack by several people on two of our experienced paramedics attending a case, resulting in very serious injuries. The amendments made to the Ambulance Services Act and the Summary Offences Act mean paramedics have the same type of legal protection from attack as police officer. Any person who attacks or harasses a paramedic in the course of their duty can face a fine of up to $6000 and six months jail. But this is just legal protection. This incident shows it is clearly not much of a deterrant. How sad and pathetic that we even need to have laws like these in place.
7 comments:
Crazy. I've never understood why people would want to attack the ambos.
Here in Scotland we also recently introduced new legislation - the Emergency Workers Act - which covers most NHS, all police and all fire brigade workers when they're on duty. The interesting thing is that you are also protected if you are a member of the public but are assisting a member of the emergency services or a doctor or nurse acting in an emergency situation. The law applies to all situations in the community or in hospitals or hospital grounds. GP surgeries are, however, not protected. Its a good law really and I beleive that England are planning to follow suit with a similar law. Like you say though, shame we have to go to the lengths of legislating to protect people in our jobs.
While I have empathy for people who are anxious over the condition of their friend/relative, there is no excuse for verbal or physical attacks on healthcare staff.
I fully support legislation to protect staff, but it is a shame that it is necessary.
they were assaulted by 'friends' of the patient who were upset she wasn't being treated. It just doesn't make any sense.
Dead right it makes no sense. What planet are these wankers from? Let's hope they need an ambo soon and it's a long wait in a lot of pain.
No charges had been laid over the attack on the paramedics.
"It is believed the incident occurred out of frustration and anger," Ms Argento said
Why have no charges been laid, and the incident occurring out of frustration and anger is no bloody excuse.
I hope the crew weren't badly injured and are recovering well with the full support of their service.
I once had an irate man stand in between me and his burning house. I was holding the hose but yelling at the fire dept. was more important that getting the hell out of the way.. and his house continued to burn. Some people just get stupid during a crisis.
What Steve said.
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