Due to a rise in violent attacks of paramedic staff, paramedics body cameras usage has increased as thousands are to be given body worn cameras says NHS England. The aim is to reduce violence as well as aid the staff in feeling safer.

During emergency callouts, there has been a significant increase of members of the public assaulting front-line workers.

According to NHS England data, 3,569 ambulance staff report being assaulted in 2020-2021, a 32% rise from 5 year previously.

The body worn camera rollout was originally planned for 2024, however, to increase worker safety, cameras will be rolled out across all 10 NHS trusts in England this year.

Emergency Ambulance Crew member Gary Watson, who works for London Ambulance Service in Croydon, was violently assaulted by a drunk patient in 2018 while on duty.

Mr Watson suffered a torn ligament and serious injuries to his face, throat and neck in the attack. Two other medics were also injured and a fourth badly shaken. A man was convicted, receiving a suspended sentence.

Mr Watson, who took part in the body worn camera trial, stated “These cameras are needed, and wearing one makes me feel safer. They act as a deterrent and will also help provide evidence if there is an attack. We go to work to help people, not to be assaulted. It’s disgusting that a minority think it’s OK to behave in such a violent way.”

We recommend the Pinnacle PR6 Body Worn Camera which also allows automatic uploading of footage to the cloud once docked in a charger, evidence will never be lost or forgotten.

Pinnacle Response have been pioneers in product development since 2007. Body worn cameras and video management technology are revolutionising worker safety, and Pinnacle Response is leading that revolution.

Body worn cameras are an easy way to capture evidence for the POV of the wearer. Over the past 5 years, we have seen a significant increase in the use of body worn video by a variety of organisations including; NHS, security officials, retail workers and more.

If you would like to enquire about purchasing or hiring a body worn camera, please email us on info@smye-rumsby.co.uk or call us on 01304 248 900