We’re asking the community to support our paramedics and first responders to continue doing their lifesaving work.
Violence against paramedics is never OK.
On average, an assault or attempted assault is reported by paramedics every 15 hours.
Incidents of occupational violence increased by 14 per cent in 2022-2023, with 580 cases reported last financial year.
For paramedics to provide treatment to you or your loved one, they need a safe environment to work in that is free from aggression or abuse.
Our paramedics will leave a scene if they feel unsafe
Everyone deserves the right to feel safe at work, and our paramedics will leave a scene if they feel unsafe.
Paramedics need a safe environment to work in to provide treatment for you or your loved ones.
If they feel at risk, they are always encouraged not to enter or to retreat from a scene until it is safe to provide treatment.
While the situations our people attend can be stressful for friends and family of the patient, becoming angry or aggressive may delay the critical care you or your loved one needs.
What you can do to help paramedics:
Be respectful towards everyone involved in an incident.
Put your safety first – if there is violence or aggression present at a scene, stay well back and don’t do anything to aggravate or worsen the situation.
Advise the Triple Zero (000) call-taker if violence or aggression is present. They can arrange for police to attend.
Follow paramedics’ instructions. If it is safe to do so, ask agitated family or friends to clear the area for a moment.
Offer assistance by letting the paramedics know that you are available to help.
It’s never OK campaign
The WorkSafe It’s never OK campaign highlights that aggression and abuse towards healthcare workers, including paramedics, is unacceptable. Violence and aggression is a serious issue across our health sector, with 95% of healthcare workers having experienced violence on the job.
