Medics urge bars to 'go plastic'

Paramedics would like plastic glasses used across the South

Paramedics are calling for bars to curb glass attacks by using plastic vessels.

Tony Heselton, a paramedic for the South Central Ambulance Service Trust, said he had seen glass injuries disfiguring and maiming victims.

In Bournemouth, after 25 night spots switched to polycarbonate glasses and bottles, police recorded 70% less glass-related injuries.

The trust serving Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire has urged bar owners to switch to plastic.

During the last six months the trust responded to around 7,500 assaults, and it said more than 10% took place in late night venues.

Mr Heselton said: "We see some very unpleasant injuries caused by broken bottles and glasses which are used as weapons and cause horrific injuries."

It has left him mentally scarred Robert Golding

The trust has incorporated a campaign to ban glass by Marjorie and Robert Golding, whose son Blake was attacked with a glass bottle whilst working as a night club doorman in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

He received 40 stitches and lost four pints of blood.

'Dangerous weapon'

Mr Golding said: "He is up and about but has not worked full-time since Christmas.

"It has left him mentally scarred and he is having a really tough time."

Ian Ferguson, trust operations director, said: "These horrendous injuries could easily be avoided if the nightclubs introduced polycarbonate bottles and glasses for their customers.

"They look just like glass and are very sturdy, but best of all they can't be used as a dangerous weapon."