NSW Ambulance Service paramedics have been fitted out with high-tech body cameras as part of a trial aimed at improving the safety of frontline staff.
The Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said paramedics from Liverpool, Sydney Ambulance Centre at Eveleigh, and Hamilton in suburban Newcastle were part of the 12-month voluntary trial.
“We need to look after the people who look after us and if this technology can help deter abuse and assaults against frontline paramedics, we need to give it go,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Hopefully, agitated individuals will modify their behaviour when they realise their actions are being recorded,” he said.
“Our paramedics are not a punching bag for anyone’s frustration.”
Mr Hazzard said paramedics were there to help the community and it was never OK to abuse them.
He said assaults carry heavy penalties and bodycam footage could potentially be used as evidence when prosecuting people in the future.
Chief Executive at NSW Ambulance, Dominic Morgan said 60 body cameras were being used in the trial and, if successful, more could be rolled out state-wide.
“The cameras will be another set of eyes for our paramedics and in addition to hopefully deterring abuse, there is scope to use them for training purposes further down the line,” Dr Morgan said.
