Grampians regional director Chris James reiterated the zero tolerance approach for his crews to any form of abuse in what he said was an occupational hazard. 

“Violence (to paramedics) has increasingly become an issue for us. Our paramedics have our full support not to enter a scene if they feel there is a risk,” Mr James said. “No person should expect to take abuse at work.

“We need community help and we need the community to understand if paramedics are abused, physically or verbally they will leave.”

Mr James said it was hard to pinpoint exact reasons for the rise in verbal and physical assault in paramedics but the Grampians mirrored what was a statewide issue.

Every 50 hours a Victorian paramedic experiences physical or verbal violence and last year 138 paramedics were physically injured from abuse.

Mr James said any form of abuse was unacceptable. 

This is a message with the full backing of police in the region.

“We all have difficult roles to play in keeping the community safe so we will continue to support all emergency services doing their job,” Stawell Police Station Commander Senior Sergeant Wright said.

“Emergency services are there to keep the community safe so there is very much a zero tolerance approach to any abusive or threatening behaviour.”

Paramedics will not approach places deemed locations of interest unless police are on scene due to safety concerns. This is an Ambulance Victoria guideline.

But Mr James said violent behaviour towards paramedics was not contained to such locations of interest.

Senior Sergeant Wright said this was timely to remind everyone to be patient and to drink responsibly this festive season.

“If people are affected by alcohol it doesn’t excuse criminal behavior. Drink responsibly and stay safe when doing so,” he said.