Veteran Geelong paramedic details abuse as reports of violence against ambos rise

A veteran Geelong paramedic has revealed the alarming abuse she has copped throughout her career, amid a surge in reports of violence against ambos.

Ambulance Victoria Belmont acting team manager Michelle Risk has joined the call to stop violence against ambulance staff. Picture: Alison Wynd

Paramedics are reporting more violence on the job, with ambos across the region assaulted and spat on.

Ambulance Victoria says incidents of occupational violence have increased by 14 per cent, with 580 cases reported last financial year, and 41 of these occurring in the Barwon South West region.

This trend is continuing, with 33 incidents already reported by Barwon South West paramedics from July to November.

Barwon South West regional director Jessica McGowan said horrific behaviour occurred in the region recently, including paramedics being spat on, hit with a closed fist, a patient punching a vehicle with the crew trapped inside and a random bystander hurling a hammer at an ambulance.

“We have zero tolerance for these disgusting and illegal acts, and we do not accept occupational violence as ‘part of the job’,” she said.

Ambulance Victoria Belmont acting team manager Michelle Risk has been a paramedic for 15 years and said she had been verbally abused countless times and spat on.

She said a patient had been sexually inappropriate and then raised his fist at her.

“It’s the threats of violence as well – we get threats all the time (like) ‘I’m going to kill you’,” she said.

Ms Risk said abuse could make paramedics fear coming to work and cause permanent injuries, anxiety and PTSD.

“It’s unlikely you’ll talk to any paramedics who haven’t had some form of abuse, aggression or violence towards them in their career,” she said.

She said occupational violence affected their personal and work lives.

There were support programs in place for paramedics, Ms Risk said.

“We’re certainly encouraging staff to report (occupational violence),” she said.

With the population in our region set to swell over Christmas, Ms Risk said this could mean higher likelihood of paramedics copping abuse.

“It’s not acceptable, everyone deserves to go to work and not be abused,” she said.

Ms McGowan said paramedics would leave a scene if they felt unsafe.

“Our people’s safety comes first, and they will always be supported not to enter a scene or to retreat if they believe they are at risk,” Ms McGowan said.

“For us to provide treatment to you or your loved ones, we need a safe environment to work in.

“We recognise emergency situations can be stressful but becoming angry or aggressive will not help you or the patient paramedics are trying to help.”

“Many Victorians are out celebrating at this time of year, but for our paramedics it’s one of the busiest and toughest periods.

“We ask all Barwon South West residents to help our paramedics care for the community by being respectful towards them and if you are involved in an emergency incident, doing your bit to assist.”

Paramedics are trained in a variety of strategies to assess, manage and, if needed, de-escalate violent or aggressive scenes.

Across the state, paramedics are reporting a rise in violent assaults and verbal abuse.

Injuring an emergency worker in Victoria is a category one offence and carries a mandatory minimum six-month jail sentence.

Originally published as Veteran Geelong paramedic details abuse as reports of violence against ambos rise