Paramedics have started wearing body-worn cameras for the first time after 529 violent assaults were reported in London during the coronavirus pandemic.
London Ambulance Service rolled out the trial on Monday in areas where emergency workers are considered to be most at risk.
Crews from two stations in north London and two stations in south London will initially wear the gadgets with the intention of expanding the trial if the first phase proves successful.
Figures show London Ambulance Service staff were victims of 529 violent attacks between April last year and the end of January.
London Ambulance Service rolled out the trial on Monday in areas where emergency workers are considered to be most at risk. Pictured, Emergency Ambulance Crew member Gary Watson, 33, will be among the first to wear one
They include kicking, punching, head-butting, biting and spitting with 31 assaults with weapons also reported.
It comes after ministers said they planned to bring forward legislation to double the maximum sentence for those convicted of assaults on police, prison staff, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue workers and frontline health workers.
There were 834 incidents of verbal abuse and threats between April last year and January.
The cameras are attached to paramedics’ uniforms so they can hit a button to start recording when patients or members of the public become aggressive or abusive.
Emergency Ambulance Crew member Gary Watson, 33, will be among the first to wear one. It comes two years after he suffered a torn ligament and serious injuries to his face, throat and neck when he was attacked by a drunk patient in January 2018.
Two other medics were also injured and a fourth was badly shaken but the man, who was found guilty, only received a suspended sentence.
The cameras are attached to paramedics’ uniforms who can then hit a button to start recording when patients or members of the public become aggressive or abusive
| Physical assault by blow (Kick, punch, head-butt, push, scratch) | 327 |
| Physical assault by grab/touch (Including sexual) | 95 |
| Physical assault by spitting (Sputum landing on person/clothing) | 56 |
| Assaulted with a blunt weapon | 21 |
| Physical assault by biting | 20 |
| Assaulted with a edged weapon | 9 |
| Assaulted with a firearm | 1 |
| Total | 529 |
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Mr Watson, based at Croydon Ambulance Station, 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.’
Due to concerns many more go unreported, two violence reduction officers have been recruited in the Capital to help protect staff.