Vic ambos should 'walk away' if threatened

Paramedics instinctively help people but they should refuse care and walk away if their safety is threatened by violence, the Victorian government says.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the government wants a culture of support for paramedics who make the "tough call" to refuse treatment if threatened.

"There are consequences, they may not just be legal, but you may forfeit your right to care if you are going to be violent towards a paramedic," Ms Hennessy told reporters on Monday.

The minister was responding to news reports there are more than 1200 locations where Victorian paramedics won't go without a police escort due to violent occupants.

The Herald Sun newspaper says Freedom of Information data obtained from Ambulance Victoria shows the number of unsafe addresses has risen by almost a quarter in the past five years.

Ms Hennessy said the prevalence of the drug ice has lead to a new set of challenges for emergency service workers and ongoing training to improve personal safety was needed.