PARAMEDICS UNDER ATTACK: ‘Worst I’ve Ever Seen’ – Ambulance Victoria Pleads with Public to Respect Emergency Workers Amid Shocking Rise in Violence Over Christmas
- 10 ‘very serious offences’ committed against paramedics in just three days, including physical and sexual assaults, threats, and being spat on
- Ambulance Victoria regional director of operations Vanessa Gorman describes the recent violence as ‘the worst I’ve ever seen in 30 years of emergency work’
- Paramedics are being subjected to ‘hypervigilance’ on the job, constantly wondering if they’ll be attacked by a stranger or patient
Ambulance Victoria is sounding the alarm over a shocking rise in violence against paramedics, with 10 ‘very serious offences’ committed against emergency workers in just three days over the Christmas period.
Regional director of operations Vanessa Gorman described the recent violence as ‘the worst I’ve ever seen in 30 years of emergency work’. ‘It’s probably worse in regards to the severity of what’s occurring,’ she said. ‘I don’t think there’s one of us standing in front of you today that has not been assaulted.’
In a three-day window over Christmas, paramedics were subjected to a string of horrific incidents, including a female paramedic being touched multiple times inappropriately, paramedics being punched in the chest, spat on, and even having a stethoscope used against them as a weapon.
One paramedic, Luke Harrington, described how a man cornered him against his ambulance just before his shift ended at midnight on December 22. ‘He threatened me and spat on me, then started smashing the ambulance window and tried to jump on the vehicle and block its exit,’ he said.
Mr Harrington, who has dealt with similar incidents in the past, said the job now required a constant state of ‘hypervigilance’. ‘[You’re] constantly wondering if there’s a stranger or a patient that could escalate in that moment,’ he said. ‘It adds an element of pressure to an already stressful job and vulnerability as well.’
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery said the violence was not being perpetrated solely by patients. ‘Far too often, alcohol is a factor,’ he said. ‘And far too often the violence is the result of bystanders or family members who are interfering with the care those paramedics are trying to provide.’
Ambulance Victoria is pleading with the public to treat paramedics with respect, kindness, and grace. ‘Enough is enough,’ said Ms Gorman. ‘This is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it. Please, in the community, treat our paramedics with respect, kindness, and grace, not only in this period but through 2026 and beyond.’