Rising Concerns Over Attacks on Ambulance Workers
Ambulance Victoria staff have been issued a stark warning following an alarming incident involving a pregnant paramedic who was punched in the face and stomach. The attack has sparked concerns among emergency workers, who are now considering withdrawing care if they feel their safety is at risk.
The incident occurred during a life-threatening drug overdose call, leaving the paramedic traumatised. Jordan Emery, CEO of Ambulance Victoria, addressed the media on Monday, highlighting that such attacks are becoming increasingly common. He mentioned that in just the past week, paramedics had faced bites, shoves, and threats with scissors. Emery emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “If my people are not safe… we will withdraw care.” He added, “If their lives are in danger, we cannot help you or your loved ones.”
In response to these incidents, Victoria introduced laws in October 2018 that mandated a six-month jail term for anyone who injures emergency workers, unless there were “special reasons” involved. However, recent events have shown that these laws may not be sufficient to protect workers in all situations.
Last month, an on-duty paramedic was stabbed in the neck and slashed in the face during an unprovoked attack outside a cafe. At the time, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan pledged to strengthen laws surrounding attacks on emergency workers. Despite this commitment, the accused in that case was charged with attempted murder, but the attack did not fall under the existing laws because the paramedic was not considered “on duty” at the time. He was waiting for coffee when the attack happened.
This incident highlighted a loophole in the current legal framework. The case of James Haberfield, a 22-year-old who avoided prison after assaulting a paramedic at a music festival, led to the tightening of laws. Haberfield received an 18-month community corrections order, which included treatment for schizophrenia, a condition he had at the time of the attack. Under the new laws, a person’s mental state can no longer be used as a “special reason” defence for assaulting an emergency worker.
Health Minister Harriet Shing noted that the case involving the pregnant paramedic would be covered under the updated laws, as she was on duty at the time of the attack. She stressed that reforming these laws, currently under review by the Victorian Law Reform Commission, is an urgent priority for the state government. “Being a paramedic can be inherently dangerous work,” Ms Shing said. “People deserve better than to be assaulted in their workplace.”
Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier expressed concern over the attack on the pregnant paramedic, suggesting it reflects broader societal issues. “This attack is one that I think most Victorians will just shake their heads in dismay and ask what on earth is going on,” she said.
