Help keep your ambos safe at work

You can play an important role in helping to keep your ambos safe at work, as well as protect your own safety at a scene where there might be violence or aggression. Here are a few of our top tips.

Above all, put your own safety first. If you find yourself in a situation where there is violence or aggression, keep well back. Don’t do anything to aggravate or worsen the situation.

Avoid crowding around the patient. Give paramedics the space they need to work. Ask others crowding around to step back too.

Advise Triple Zero (000) if violence or aggression is present or likely. If you are the one calling Triple Zero (000), advise the operator if violence or aggression is present at the scene or if you feel that the scene could become unsafe. They can arrange for police to attend if needed.

Remain calm. If it’s you or your loved one receiving treatment, we recognise this can be a very stressful situation. Remember that becoming angry or aggressive will not help you or the patient. We can’t help you if we feel under threat. The best thing you can do is to remain calm and follow the instructions of emergency services. We will leave scenes where we don’t feel safe.

Offer assistance. If you are a bystander, let paramedics know that you are here to help if needed. Sometimes we do appreciate help with carrying equipment or keeping crowds at bay.

Violence against paramedics is never OK. Find out more about the steps we’re taking to stay safe at work.