Paramedics have identified more than 50 no-go zones in 16 suburbs in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong where they have been attacked.
They have warned colleagues about dangerous addresses in Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Footscray, Kingsville, Laverton, Maidstone, Newport, Seabrook, Seddon, Spotswood, West Footscray, Williamstown North and Yarraville.
Ambulance Employees Association state secretary Steve McGhie said paramedics in the west had been stabbed, punched and spat on.
“Most of the issues are due to aggression and violence caused by drug or alcohol abuse, domestic violence issues and mental health issues,” he said. “Paramedics can be sent to a location unaware that a person or people there had previously been aggressive and violent towards paramedics.
“It ranges from verbal abuse to threats to assault.
“Across the state, paramedics have been shot at, people have tried to stab them, they’ve been punched, and verbal abuse is common.
“They get spat on quite often and paramedics have even had blood spat in their faces and eyes.”
Zero tolerance
The ambulance union is calling for zero tolerance and for anyone who assaults a paramedic to be charged.
Ambulance Victoria acting general manager Mick Stephenson said paramedics could flag addresses where violence was likely, enabling police back-up to be arranged.
“No paramedic is expected to enter a scene where violence is likely or suspected,” he said.
“We also work with Victoria Police to increase information-sharing to better identify danger spots, including where individuals may be violent, have a mental health issue, use drugs or own a firearm.”
