Call to cut attacks on paramedics

The poster shows the beaten face of a paramedic

The Metropolitan Police has backed a new campaign aimed at preventing attacks on ambulance crews.

On average, there is more than one attack per day on London Ambulance Service (LAS) staff.

LAS launched a poster campaign on Monday declaring there is "No Excuse" for violence and is calling for tougher sentences for people who attack their staff.

Sir John Stevens, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, said that the force would do everything possible to bring offenders to justice.

'Attacked and abused'

The LAS poster shows the bruised faced of a female ambulance worker who was assaulted while responding to an emergency call.

LAS chief executive Peter Bradley said: "It is quite simple - our staff should be able to do their job without the fear of being attacked or abused.

"They attend emergency situations to provide vital care.

Sir John Stevens wants offenders prosecuted

"For them to be attacked is unacceptable."

Mr Bradley vowed to press for as many prosecutions as possible and called for the toughest possible penalties to be imposed on offenders.

LAS staff face violence on a daily basis.

In the first three months of this year, 130 cases of physical violence and almost 400 cases of verbal abuse were reported.

Ambulance crews now undergo personal safety training to help them escape from violent situations and the service also employs a staff safety officer.

Sir John said: "Metropolitan Police officers work with ambulance crews every day and therefore know what a vital job they do.

"It is unacceptable that they should face violence when trying to save lives and we will do all we can to support the London Ambulance Service in bringing the offenders before the courts."