Paramedic Occupational Violence Solutions: Personal Safety Training

By Dan Pronk

Occupational Violence towards paramedics is a worldwide issue

International studies reveal that 87.5% of paramedics have been subject to some form of violence

In Australia, paramedics are 22% more likely to be assaulted or injured at work than any other profession, including police officers, soldiers, bouncers, or correctional officers in prisons

Statistics from the United States reveal that 1-1.6% of homicides each year are EMS personnel

This eBook will introduce these three pillars and outline additional topics and skills that will reduce the likelihood of assault in the paramedic workplace.

How does Guardian know this training works?

Easy – we've proven it!

Guardian has been delivering its Personal Safety Training package to St John Ambulance NT since 2017 and in the following four years, despite a national increase in paramedic assault rates, St John NT saw a decrease of 30% in their assault rates.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SIMON LEONARD
• Release date: Jul 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9780645560763

Book preview

Occupational Violence towards paramedics is a worldwide issue

•International studies reveal that 87.5% of paramedics have been subject to some form of violence

•In Australia, paramedics are 22% more likely to be assaulted or injured at work than any other profession, including police officers, soldiers, bouncers, or correctional officers in prisons

•Statistics from the United States reveal that 1-1.6% of homicides each year are EMS personnel

Who is perpetrating the assaults of paramedics?

•Most perpetrators of occupational violence (79%) are patients, with relatives of patients being the next most likely

•Male perpetrators are more likely to assault paramedics, however both sexes are represented

Who is being assaulted?

•Statistics reveal that male paramedics are more likely to be assaulted in the workplace, however female paramedics are more likely to be injured when assaulted

•Definite links have been established between the amount of overtime hours worked and risk of assault

While the statistics are already concerning, strong evidence suggests that assault rates are dramatically underreported, and are thus much higher than the statistics report.

The solution?

There are many potential solutions