Surge in Assaults on Ambulance Crews Raises Alarms in NZ

Ambulance crews across New Zealand are experiencing a significant increase in abuse and assaults, with incidents now reported daily. This alarming trend has been highlighted by Hato Hone St John, which noted that emergency workers faced heightened threats during the recent holiday period, leading to some requiring hospital treatment after on-duty assaults.

Dan Ohs, a frontline worker with over 20 years of experience at St John Ambulance, expressed concern about the safety of staff. He stated, “We’ve had ambulance officers abused. We’ve had people kicked and assaulted. We’ve even had two ambulance staff who’ve had to have treatment in an emergency department, secondary to an assault from a patient they were treating.”

Ohs pointed out that the violence is not confined to late-night emergencies or high-risk areas. He noted that while alcohol and drugs often contribute to the aggression, a clear trend in violent incidents has yet to emerge. Last year, more than 300 assaults on ambulance staff were recorded, reflecting a 10% increase from the previous year.

Declining Respect for Emergency Services

Mark Quin of the NZ Ambulance Association remarked on a noticeable decline in public respect for emergency service workers. He shared, “Once upon a time, particularly when I came into the service in the mid-’90s, the uniform was respected. That seems to have changed.”

This issue is not isolated to New Zealand; reports from Australia indicate that paramedics there are also facing escalating violence. Vanessa Gorman from Ambulance Victoria reported instances of paramedics being spat at, kicked, and punched. Paramedic Alexandra Hemsley added that such experiences can be distressing and, for some, career-ending.

Back in New Zealand, the situation has escalated to the point where ambulance crews sometimes delay treatment while awaiting police support. Quin emphasized the dilemma, stating, “Sometimes those people in those situations need our help now.”

Threats Extend Beyond Frontline Workers

The abuse faced by emergency responders extends beyond those on the scene. Emergency call centre staff have also reported receiving threats. One operator, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, recounted a disturbing experience, saying, “He threatened to stab me two times. And then he threatened that if he ever does find me, he will stab me and he will kick me.”

In response to these incidents, St John Ambulance has indicated that many staff members require counselling after experiencing physical and psychological distress. Ohs emphasized the need for a safe working environment, stating, “Our people have the right to come to work and be safe and the right to help people without being abused, threatened or assaulted. If they are, they will leave, and people need to consider that when they’re making their health choices.”

The rising violence against emergency service workers poses a significant challenge for the future of emergency response in New Zealand and beyond. As these professionals continue to face daily threats, the call for greater protection and respect for those who serve on the frontline has never been more urgent.