Body armour likely for Australian emergency services staff
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382326)
Rockingham, Australia
December 26, 2018 10:12pm CST
It has been suggested that doctors, nurses and security guards at West Australian (WA) hospitals could soon be wearing body armour. A tender for the custom manufacture of up to 250 body armour vests has been put up. Over 11,000 aggressive incidents were reported in WA tertiary hospitals last year. The vests would protect against sharp and dangerous objects and have pouches for capsicum spray and body cameras. Mobile duress alarms will also be issued to staff.
However an Australian Medical Association WA (AMAWA) spokesman said the plan was a waste of money. A better option would be to find some solutions for overcrowded emergency departments and mental health services. More beds and more staff were seen as the answer by the AMAWA. Certainly many get very frustrated by having to wait long periods before being seen. It is a great shame that such a step is seen as necessary.
Photo of a police car which paid us a call – well, actually it was the driver and his off-sider who paid us a call but I’m sure you know what I mean.
15 people like this
15 responses
@AKRao24 (27422)
• India
27 Dec 18
Yes, unfortunately in India also we have the cases where the frustrated relatives of the patients have attacked the medical staff many a times. Yes, agreed providing armors may save the lives of the staff. But this won't serve the purpose. As discussed the reason for such activity has to be identified and remedial measures have to be taken accordingly!
3 people like this
@moffittjc (128837)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Dec 18
And here I thought that only Americans had to wait hours in the emergency room before being treated!
Hey, do you recall what brand and model of car that police car was? It sure is a nice-looking ride!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (128837)
• Gainesville, Florida
28 Dec 18
@JudyEv It's a sweet looking car.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Dec 18
@moffittjc They are pretty popular and were reasonably priced so there was a lot of them around.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Dec 18
I think so too. They have a terrible time of it sometimes.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
27 Dec 18
"Off-sider," what a great word. I have not heard of such a plan here, but a woman doctor and a nurse were shot at a Chicago hospital by a jilted suitor.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Dec 18
So 'off-sider' isn't a common word there? We don't have (m)any shootings but knives or syringes are common weapons.
@allknowing (153529)
• India
28 Dec 18
The very thought is revolting. It is a sign how humanity has become reckless where scenes of violence are seen even in hospitals
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44941)
• Preston, England
26 Mar 19
rather sad when those trying to help the sick and injured can't feel safe to go about their work
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Mar 19
That is so true. Paramedics are at particular risk I think.
@wolfgirl569 (135847)
• Marion, Ohio
27 Dec 18
I do think it would be better to have faster response times. But the little extra coverage could help too.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (135847)
• Marion, Ohio
27 Dec 18
@JudyEv That is the big problem everywhere.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Dec 18
People get very frustrated if they have to wait for ages.
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
27 Dec 18
OMG, you and Vince are bush rangers lol!
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45155)
• Philippines
27 Dec 18
Really, doctors and nurses to wear body armor like police and military, like are we at war!
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45155)
• Philippines
27 Dec 18
Then maybe the AMAWA idea can lessen the problem, acquiring more security personnels.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
27 Dec 18
Such unfortunate and tragic cases happen all across the world. I think this idea might be of little help. A better security arrangement would be more productive.
1 person likes this
@arunima25 (93194)
• Bangalore, India
27 Dec 18
@JudyEv Yes it does happen. These armours will be of help at those times.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Dec 18
Several have said similar things. It is just the usual car to us.
