By EMS1 Staff
LONDON — Paramedics will begin using body cameras in an effort to protect them from violence.
The Telegraph reported that 465 paramedics and their ambulances will initially be given the cameras, with the goal of eventually giving the cameras to all EMS providers.
Officials said the cameras are meant to decrease the growing number of violent acts on paramedics by patients.
“Nobody should feel unsafe at work. Abuse against healthcare workers goes against everything the NHS stands for,” Health and Social Care secretary Jeremy Hunt said. “While the buck must stop with abusers, we want to do everything we can to prevent physical and verbal abuse. Issuing paramedics body cameras will help protect them and increase prosecutions.”
Officials have also called for maximum prison sentences for those who attack first responders. A bill is currently being considered on the matter.
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