London: London ambulance staff are to be given stab and bulletproof vests for use in dangerous areas.

According to London Ambulance Service (LAS) over 130 cases of physical attacks on paramedics were reported between January and March this year. Staff reported more than 450 cases of assault last year. Ambulance staff experience mistreatment ranging from being spat at to kicking and stabbing.

The introduction of body armour is only one of a number of measures. LAS staff will receive training in risk assessment, managing conflict and avoiding violence.

Counseling has been made available to all personnel and Staff Safety officers, who will liaise with the police, are also being recruited.

It will take two years to provide the 2,200 ambulance crew with the new protective clothing. LAS staff who are particularly vulnerable, such as those who work alone or in certain area of east and central London, will receive the equipment first.

The service has also launched the No Excuses advertising campaign, which feature posters of a female paramedic with a black eye. A spokesperson for the LAS said: "Often people will leave out vital information, such as the risk of violence, when they call 999, which means that our staff can go in unprepared."

LAS Chief Executive Peter Bradley said: "It is quite simple. Our staff should be able to do their job without the fear of being attacked or abused. They attend emergency situations to provide vital care. For them to be attacked is unacceptable."

July 9, 2002 14:00