Attacks on ambulances - HSE must protect paramedics

THE number and intensity of attacks on ambulance crews had increased dramatically in recent years. It is only a matter of time before somebody is killed or seriously injured, unless they are provided with stab-proof vests, according to the Association of Ambulance Personnel.

Paramedics are currently refusing to answer calls to certain parts of Limerick city without a garda escort. Dublin has also become notorious for attacks on frontline medical personnel.

The association has been campaigning for stab-proof vests for its members for the past three years. Surely the Health Service Executive should face up to the problems before somebody is killed.

Ambulance crews are often subjected to violent abuse on arriving at an emergency scene. Over the years such horrific scenes were only ever seen on films.

A large part of the problem is the growing drug culture. Members of an ambulance crew can find themselves in the midst of a domestic dispute, confronted by somebody our of his or her mind on drugs, while others in the house may be in need of urgent medical attention.

The HSE should recognise the danger to its employees and provide the protective vests in the interests of both the crew and those they are trying to help.