11 November 2024
The States of Jersey Ambulance Service, whose staff have been attacked on duty, is leading a campaign to highlight the impact of aggressive and intimidating behaviours.
Ambulance staff have logged 26 incidences of violence, aggression and intimidation aimed towards them so far this year, on their internal reporting systems. Up from 14 reported incidents in the whole of 2023 and seven in 2022, this campaign seeks to raise public awareness about that increasing trend.
It will highlight the impact of such behaviour on emergency responders and their right to a safe working environment – and ultimately on the community's ability to support our teams in delivering timely and effective care.
Those incidents have far-reaching consequences, whether it is a criminal conviction for the assailant, or a colleague's physical and mental recovery.
In attacking emergency responders, perpetrators risk facing a fine up to £2,000 or a prison sentence. The Island's courts will consider the fact that a victim is an emergency responder as an aggravating factor when sentencing an assailant.
During this campaign Islanders will read snapshots of incidents from colleagues, who have been brave enough to speak out.
One of those is paramedic Eric Rolland.
While on duty, he was punched in the face by an inebriated patient who became aggressive. His injuries required two separate operations, which meant weeks off work while he recovered. That absence from duty put pressures on his colleagues. The incident was reported to police for investigation, who arrested the assailant for assaulting an emergency responder. The incident has also changed the way he reacts when attending to patients.
Eric said: “I've been doing this job for 35 years, and certainly the last 12 months, the level of aggression, or very serious potential for aggression is unprecedented. There's been a definite rise. It's not part of the job.
“We try and help people when they're in need, in their time of crisis.
“You're a bit more cautious approaching certain situations – people with mental health concerns and people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“We're still humans, husbands, wives, parents, siblings. When we take the uniform off, we still take those experiences home. It plays on our minds; it still sits with us."
Due to the nature of some of the incidents, and the risk of repeat interactions with these patients in a small island, some colleagues have requested to remain anonymous throughout this campaign.
Attacks on Ambulance staff can have a long-lasting impact on their wellbeing and mental health. Similarities in incidents, even if they are less severe, may be a trigger for mental health trauma.
The goal of this campaign is to foster a culture of respect and support for those who are on the front lines, saving lives.
To remind Islanders of the level of security frontline medics need to work safely when responding to emergencies, the fleet of SoJAS vehicles will be decorated with slogans reflecting the core messages of the campaign; “Respect saves lives", “Aggression or intimidation is unacceptable", and “Violence has no place in emergency care".
States of Jersey Ambulance Service's Chief Ambulance Officer, Peter Gavey said: “We know emergency situations can be stressful and emotional for people, but this is no excuse to behave aggressively towards Ambulance responders.
“Verbal abuse, threats and attacks against our staff are completely unacceptable. Our staff have the right to a safe working environment and cannot provide effective treatment and care whilst dealing with violence and aggression.
“We know that incidents of violence and aggression can have a significant and lasting impact on our people, and staff who are victims of violence are encouraged to report incidents as soon as possible and are supported.
“We take our health, safety and wellbeing very seriously and have robust policies and procedures in place to protect our colleagues in the line of duty.
“We have the right to do our jobs free from abuse and violence."
Associate Chief Ambulance Officer, Gordon Hunt, echoed that message, stating: “Our ability to work safely and efficiently directly impacts the quality of care we can provide.
“We are here to help. We are trained professionals whose primary goal is to provide life-saving care, and we need a safe environment to do that.
“Any form of aggression or intimidation against ambulance staff is unacceptable and can have serious consequences for both the responders and the patients."
Recognising the pressures put on frontline responders by the increasing trend of violence, aggression and intimidation towards ambulance staff, the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Mary Le Hegarat added her support for all frontline workers. She said: “Aggression towards our emergency responders, and their right to work without fear of being attacked needs highlighting – as do the consequences for perpetrators.
“We need to respect and support those who are saving lives.
“As a former serving police officer myself, I fully support the right of all our frontline workers to go about their roles safely."
gov.je