Crews have been attacked with items including knuckle-dusters, a sledgehammer, a desk fan, a tomahawk and a bag of cement
Northern Ireland ambulance workers have started using body-worn cameras in a bid to reduce violent attacks.
It is understood the devices will only be switched on when an ambulance worker feels the need to do so. Ambulance Service sources say there have been reductions in violent attacks of up to 25% in other parts of the UK where the body-cams have been introduced. “But we must stress that we will not hesitate to use any footage that may help a prosecution of such people. It is unfortunate that the actions of a small few have brought us to this point and we are confident that we have the support of the general public in regards to the introduction of such measures to protect our staff.”
As well as physical attacks, the NIAS says crews are also subjected to threats including people using dogs to intimidate staff and being held against their will in homes. During the pandemic staff have also been spat at by people claiming to be have Covid.
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