BBC News
Copyright 2007 BBC

LONDON — Paramedics are being put at risk because they are not being given stab vests, union leaders have warned.
 
Health minister Ben Bradshaw said that ambulance staff can have stab vests if health trusts deem it necessary.

But the Department of Health has received no requests for funding for the body armour.

The Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel has been fighting for the vests to be given to all front-line crews for 10 years.

The APAP's Jonathan Fox said escalating crime was increasing the risk of serious injury to the paramedics who respond to casualties.

Full Story: There were 1,006 physical assaults against ambulance staff for 2006