| Too many paramedics are still opposed to | | | | what we class as 'blunt trauma related incidents'. |
| wearing stab vests or other forms of protection, | | | | This is why we have developed concealable, 4mm |
| due to simple misperception of such protective | | | | thin, 2.1kg light stab vests and body protection |
| equipment. | | | | that protects the wearer from any type of knife |
| I am of course aware of all internal surveys, | | | | and needle, but more importantly also from |
| conducted by NHS Ambulance Trusts up and | | | | punches, kicks and any type of blows. |
| down the country, concluding that stab vests are | | | | Incidents, such as the attack on a paramedic in |
| not wanted by their frontline staff. However, I | | | | Merseyside on 5th August 2010, the attack on |
| strongly believe this is only the casey due to | | | | Aberdeen based paramedic on 12th August 2010 |
| misperception and sometimes not getting the | | | | and the attack on a Norfolk paramedic on the |
| facts right. | | | | 16th August, all highlight the fact that assaults on |
| I have recently met members of the Association | | | | those who serve and care every day are still a |
| of Professional Ambulance Personnel (APAP) and | | | | sad part of today's society. |
| a number of worried paramedics and came to the | | | | We strongly recommend to all NHS Ambulance |
| conclusion that many professionals still associate | | | | Trusts to re-look at the potential use of stab |
| stab vests or similar types of body protection | | | | vests within their authority. Recently developed |
| with the type of body armour worn by police | | | | body armour have been designed after listening |
| officers over the past many years. | | | | very carefully to paramedics and gaining a clear |
| Many paramedics still believe stab vests are 6kg | | | | understanding of their concerns, needs and |
| heavy, 1 inch thick, bulky, uncomfortable, | | | | operational risk and duties. |
| restrictive and aggressive and confrontational | | | | I think it is time to really ask paramedics the right |
| looking. But this is so far away from the truth. | | | | questions and educate them in a caring and |
| We are fully aware that the majority of incidents | | | | supportive manner. Let's show them what can be |
| have got nothing to do with edged weapons, | | | | done and what has been designed and developed |
| knives or needles. The majority of assaults are | | | | with their safety and comfort in mind. |