'Punched', 'spat on': paramedics plead for respect

Paramedics were verbally and physically abused, punched in the face, harassed and spat on while doing their jobs between July 2023 and March 2024.

AV regional operations executive director Danielle North said it had forced paramedics to stop treating sick patients and even withdraw from a scene entirely.

"We know emergency situations can be stressful for people, but this is no excuse to behave aggressively towards paramedics," Ms North said.

"We are aware of several serious occupational violence incidents recently across the state and it is timely that we remind the community again that violence against paramedics, first responders and call takers is never OK."

Ms North said the health and safety of patients was important, but the right of ambulance officers to a safe working environment was also vital.

"Our top priority is the safety of our paramedics and first responders, and they have our full support to leave an incident if they ever feel unsafe," she said.

"Assaulting or berating a paramedic will not help them do their job any quicker."

Ms North said AV supported staff to report incidents to police.

Mildura paramedic Brodie Thomas has been physically assaulted and spat on while attending to patients. He said the community needed to stamp it out.

"If you ever need us, please know that we are doing our very best to help you," Mr Thomas said.

"We know the majority of our patients and community members do not behave this way, but it only takes one incident to cause serious physical or mental harm.

"More and more often, paramedics are carrying a heightened cognitive load when they arrive at incidents; having to constantly make dynamic risk assessments knowing there's a chance they could be harmed."

There were a range of different physical assaults leading to the 105 injuries recorded to March 2023.

In one incident a paramedic was grabbed and punched in the face by a man he was treating.

In another, a paramedic suffered a traumatic dislocation when the patient they were helping became aggressive.

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Paramedics were also harassed and followed by a man who made repeated violent threats against them.

Injuring an emergency worker in Victoria is a category one offence and carries a mandatory minimum six-month jail sentence.

Paramedics have to do specialist training to assess, manage and de-escalate violent or aggressive scenes, but AV was looking at ways to reduce the level of violence its employees were enduring.

How you can help create a safe environment for paramedics: