NSW: Assaults on Ambulance officers up 60 per cent

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2009
NSW: Assaults on Ambulance officers up 60 per cent

New figures show more than 120 New South Wales ambulance officers were assaulted in
the past 12 months while on the job.

The state's ambulance service says that's a 60 per increase over last year.

While Health Minister JOHN DELLA BOSCA won't speculate whether the development is linked
to the use of the drug ice .. he says the changing pattern of drug use and alcohol-fuelled
violence add risk to paramedics.

In the latest incident a paramedic was allegedly assaulted in the Wollongong suburb
of Warilla while treating a man who needed a bandage and stitches early today.

AAP RTV bc/wz

KEYWORD: PARAMEDICS (SYDNEY)

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