Shocking video shows patient spitting on London Ambulance staff
Footage of a patient spitting on the face of a paramedic who was trying to help treat him has been caught on a body worn camera.
Paramedic James said: “It is frightening when a patient attacks you. And spitting is the lowest, most disgusting and most disrespectful thing you can do – not to mention the fear of infection risk. It’s worse than being punched.”
The video footage that the London Ambulance Service released also shows another assault by a patient, who is seen throwing a hard scoop stretcher at an ambulance crew inside a hospital.
Last year paramedic James and his crewmate had been called to a patient who was unwell in the street. When they tried to assess him, the patient became aggressive and spat at both paramedics, hitting James’ crewmate in the eye.
Earlier that same year, James recorded the moment a patient became violent after he took her to hospital. James said, “She threatened to smash our faces in and found a scoop to throw at us and then a bin.”
The paramedic, who is 26, has said that he was glad to have worn a body worn camera and added that he feels as if it gives him an extra layer of protection when he wears it.
James's recorded footage was submitted to the police, leading to the prosecution of both patients. The patients were charged with two counts of assault on an emergency worker. Each received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay compensation to the victims. Both offenders were believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
The violence James experienced at work has affected him personally, he said: “When you’re attacked, it’s difficult to want to come back to work but I have a thicker skin now and most patients aren’t like this. Most people genuinely need us and appreciate us.”
Body worn cameras are available to all London Ambulance frontline staff, but the cameras are only activated if the wearer feels threatened or at risk of violence or abuse.
Chief Paramedic Pauline Cranmer said: “Cameras act as an independent witness, and as a result, offenders are more likely to plead guilty.
"Paramedics come to work to help people and deserve to be treated with respect while they do a difficult job.
“Incidents like this don’t just impact the victims, but also the service we provide for our patients. They can mean ambulances being unavailable and often extra crews are needed to help manage these incidents. This can delay and divert our crews away from patients who need our help.
“Anyone who does threaten or abuse our people, will risk being prosecuted. We have the technology and the team to pursue offenders and see they are brought to justice.”
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