NSW paramedics will begin wearing body cameras as part of a 12-month trial aimed at deterring abuse and assaults.
Paramedics from Liverpool, Sydney Ambulance Centre at Eveleigh and Hamilton in Newcastle will participate in the voluntary trial involving 60 cameras.
NSW Ambulance chief executive Dominic Morgan said more cameras could be rolled out across the state if the program is successful, but the union representing the state’s paramedics says it has several concerns, including that the trial may interfere with patient care.
“The cameras will be another set of eyes for our paramedics and in addition to hopefully deterring abuse, there is scope to use them for training purposes further down the line,” Dr Morgan said in a statement on Wednesday.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard hopes agitated individuals will modify their behaviour when they realise they’re being recorded.
“Paramedics are there to help us and it is never OK to abuse them. Assaults carry heavy penalties and, if needed, bodycam footage will be used as evidence when prosecuting people,” Mr Hazzard said.