Managing Violence
When people hear the word Ambulance they think of Technicians and Paramedics that are there to help. But a few think of us as an easy target for venting their aggression, whether verbally or physically. This may seem a little harsh but facts show that ambulance staff are getting threatened with or are actually being assaulted more often.
With this fact in mind ambulance services and most other professions in the NHS have had to resort to being taught how to recognise and deal with aggression in their work environment.
Causes of Aggression
Usually a combination of personal and environmental factors influence aggression. These may include:
- Mentally ill patients
- Cerebral agitation from illness/injury
- Alcohol or drugs related
- Stress
Management of a Violent Situation
If met with verbal abuse
- Do not immediately go on the offensive
- Do not make assumptions about the possible use of drugs or alcohol. This will inevitibly esculate the problem.
- Do not argue with the person. If situation is getting worse withdrawal or call for assistance.
- Be polite to the person
- Do not try to push your own opinion. An aggressive person will, more often than not, think they are right.
- Do not touch the person. They may try and pursue an assault charge on you.
- Try to keep your cool. Losing your temper will only intensify the situation
If met with physical abuse
- Get away ASAP
- Summon immediate police assistance
- Consider self defence. (What constitutes self defence?)
Self Defence
Self defence can be termed as follows:
Everyone who is unlawfully assaulted without having provoked the assault is justified in repelling force by force if the force he uses is not intended to cause death or grievous bodily harm and is no more than is necessary to enable him to defend himself.
This in itself asks - What is necessary force? This would have to be something that is dealt with after the event!