NSW Ambulance to trial stab-proof vests for frontline paramedics after shock attacks, fatal stabbing

Paramedics could soon be armed with stab-proof vests in NSW – a move welcomed by the father of a young paramedic stabbed in Sydney’s southwest.

NSW paramedics could soon be armed with stab-proof vests following the fatal stabbing of a paramedic that sent shockwaves through Sydney and prompted calls for urgent measures to protect frontline workers.

NSW Ambulance is set to launch a trial and research project into the suitability of rolling out stab-resistant body armour for operational paramedics to ensure frontline workers can remain safe while performing their duties at work.

The move comes after 29-year-old paramedic Steven Tougher died after being stabbed 55 times outside a McDonald’s in Campbelltown by Jordan Fineanganofo, aged 21, who was later found not criminally responsible for the act because of mental impairment.

NSW Ambulance officer Steven Tougher was stabbed to death in the carpark of McDonald's Campbelltown in 2023.

The fatal stabbing prompted a petition by Steven’s father, Jeff Tougher, that urged the NSW Government to bolster laws and protections for frontline emergency service personnel.

Jeff Tougher told this masthead the trial was “well overdue”.

“It’s definitely needed – if a stab vest can put a barrier between a paramedic and blade then it’s more than worthwhile,” he said.

“Had they been available, it might have saved Steve’s life.

“I’m not asking for paramedics to wear the vest eight hours a day, but they should have them available at hand if they need to wear it.”

As part of the campaign – signed by more than 96,000 people – Mr Tougher has advocated for stab proof vests to be made available to paramedics as well as tougher sentencing legislation for attacks on emergency service workers.

Stab proof vests could soon be added to the NSW paramedic uniform.

Latest crime figures show there has been a spike in the number of assaults on frontline paramedics in NSW with at least three people charged for assaulting and threatening paramedics in the line of duty in the last two months.

There has also been an increase in assaults at health premises and hospitals with the number of incidents jumping from 741 to 914 between 2023 and 2024.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Ambulance NSW has awarded Charles Sturt University a $267,000 contract to undertake the research project and trial into the stab proof vests.

A spokesman for NSW Ambulance said the research project and trail was expected to conclude by the end of this year before a “comprehensive evaluation” was undertaken.

Steven Tougher married Madison weeks before his death.

“The safety of our staff and patients is our top priority. NSW Ambulance has a zero-tolerance approach to violence or aggression against paramedics, as such we are constantly evaluating ways to enhance their safety and wellbeing,” he said.

“The evidence and outcomes of (the trail) will inform NSW Ambulance’s ongoing focus and future planning of ensuring and enhancing the safety of our paramedics.”

Brett Simpson, president of the NSW branch of the Australian Paramedics Association, said the introduction of stab-resistant vests was a “significant step” forward to address safety concerns of frontline paramedics.

“Investing in safety is critical, but it’s equally important to ensure that these measures are fit for purpose and genuinely enhance the safety of our workforce,” he said.

There are currently 6389 paramedics employed across NSW with the service responding to 1.4 million emergency incidents last financial year.

The research project comes after NSW paramedics previously had body cameras added to their uniforms in a move aimed at deterring abuse and assaults.