BBC News - 7th August 2008

Stab-proof Vests 'A Good Idea'

Union leaders in the East Midlands say paramedics must have bullet-proof vests following a rising number of brick and knife attacks against ambulance workers.

East Midlands Ambulance Service responds to more than 700 emergencies every day on average with 80 ambulances on the road at peak times.

Paramedics who run the ambulances are now facing an average of one attack a day, according to Unison, which represents the ambulance workers.

Mark Dawn, a Nottingham-based ambulance technician, said about 40% of the attacks are alcohol related.

Mr Dawn said: "One time we went to help a young lady who had overdosed in her flat.
"She had a six-inch knife in her hand and when I noticed it, I backed out of the flat."

"Something made me turn around and look - she was two inches away from me with the knife pointed between my shoulder blades."

Although Unison wants bullet-proof and stab-proof vests to be issued, the East Midlands Ambulance Service is not convinced the vests are needed.

The service is concerned the vests may encourage attacks, and some workers also find the vests heavy, which restricts their mobility.

Phil Simpson for Unison says: "It has been on the agenda for a long time, but I am definitely convinced that stab-proof vests are a good idea.

"It is time that we are getting them."

Derbyshire ambulance driver Nick Horobin lost an eye after his vehicle was hit by a lump of concrete thrown from the roadside.

He also suffered serious head injuries when his ambulance overturned after the crash at Shirley Hollow in Derbyshire in September 2001.