Vic paramedics targets for attacks, abuse

Paramedics are being treated as punching bags, says Ambulance Victoria pointing to a high number of assaults.

There were 88 physical assaults against paramedics in Victoria in 2013-14, and so far in 2014-15 the number has already reached 62.

There were 314 reports of assault and aggression towards paramedics in 2013-14, followed by 161 reports so far this financial year.

Assaults with a weapon increased from 17 in 2012-13 to 22 in 2013-14.

Acting Ambulance Victoria CEO Tony Walker said it was unacceptable that paramedics, who were dedicated to saving lives, were routinely targets for assault and abuse.

"No one comes to work expecting to be harmed and we have zero tolerance for violence, threats or abuse towards our paramedics," Mr Walker said on Wednesday.

Paramedic Ben Dalton said he was frequently attacked by those he was trying to help.

"I've had patients bite me, grab me in headlocks, verbally abuse me. I've been spat on, had blood thrown at me, faeces thrown at me," he said.

"You name it, it's happened and I've only had a short career."

Ambulance Employees Australia State Secretary Steve McGhie said patients' lives were also put at risk as attacks on paramedics caused delays in responding to emergencies.

"It is stupid trying to harm paramedics when they are trying to help or save the public," Mr McGhie said.