Rising Concerns Over Violence Against Ambulance Workers in Victoria
An alarming trend of violence against ambulance workers in Victoria has sparked urgent calls for action from both the Ambulance Victoria union and its leadership. The situation has reached a critical point, with paramedics reporting a disturbing increase in attacks on their colleagues, leaving many feeling unsafe and unsupported.
One recent incident involved a pregnant paramedic who was attacked by a patient at The Austin Hospital in Melbourne’s north. The woman had been revived after suffering a drug overdose when she turned violent, punching the paramedic in the face and stomach. Despite being 12 weeks pregnant, the paramedic continued to treat the woman for another 40 minutes until another crew could take over—due to a lack of available hospital beds.
The paramedic and her unborn child are now safe, but the attack has left her too fearful to return to work. “Her desire had been to continue working for many more months on-road, but she’s had to make the decision for her own health and the health of her unborn child to come off-road because we just can’t guarantee her safety,” said Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill.
This incident is part of a growing pattern of violence that has affected ambulance staff across the state. Just weeks before this attack, a paramedic was stabbed in the neck and face by a man while waiting for a coffee. The alleged attacker has since been charged with attempted murder.
A Pattern of Violence
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery highlighted the ongoing issue, stating, “This is not the only assault that’s happened since our colleague Sam was stabbed in the face and neck just under two weeks ago.” He added, “In fact, over the last week one of my paramedics has been bitten, another one has been shoved, another paramedic has had scissors pulled on them.”
Emery emphasized that these incidents reflect an “ongoing and appalling pattern of violence towards paramedics and first responders who go about providing care to Victorians in their time of need each and every day.”
The increasing frequency of such attacks has led Ambulance Victoria to support its staff in refusing care when patients become violent. “If my people are not safe, we will withdraw care. It is the only safe option for my people,” Emery said. “If their lives are in danger we cannot help you or your loved ones and we plead for Victorians to take action now and stop this appalling pattern of violence towards our people.”
Calls for Change and Support
The ambulance union is encouraging staff to report any incidents of violence to the police. “I’m glad that Ambulance Victoria has backed our call that anytime a paramedic fears for their safety they’re able to leave the scene,” Hill said. However, he acknowledged the difficult position paramedics are in. “But that’s just a horrible decision to have to make. Nobody wants to be in that situation where they have to choose between their own safety and treating their patient, but sadly that’s where we’re at. If you threaten our members, you are threatening the care your loved one receives.”
Victorian Emergency Services Minister Harriet Shing has also spoken out against the attacks, calling them “disgraceful.” She added, “We’re continuing to work alongside the Ambulance Workers’ Union and I’m continuing to work alongside Ambulance Victoria to identify what we can do to further safeguard the safety of our paramedics.”
Shing noted that changes have already been made to the law to ensure emergency services can access safer systems of work and that harsher penalties apply to anyone causing harm to an emergency service worker.
A Call for Awareness and Action
As the situation continues to escalate, it’s clear that the safety of ambulance workers is at the forefront of public concern. With more incidents reported daily, there is an urgent need for greater awareness and support for those who put their lives on the line to help others.
Paramedics and other frontline workers deserve to feel safe while performing their vital roles. The community must recognize the impact of these attacks and take steps to prevent further violence. Only through collective effort can we ensure that those who serve us are protected and supported.
