The Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) does not support the trial of body cameras for paramedics announced today by the NSW Health Minister.
APA (NSW) has been in discussions with NSW Ambulance over the proposed trial but we have failed to reach agreement on key details about the body worn camera trial.
“Paramedics are concerned about the violent attacks they are subjected to on a daily basis but we are not prepared to engage in a NSW Ambulance ‘box ticking exercise’ and photo opportunity,” said APA (NSW) Secretary Gary Wilson.
“We want genuine efforts by NSW Ambulance to protect our members from violence but we don’t believe the use of cameras will have any significant value in preventing violence against Paramedics, Mr Wilson said.
“There are a range of significant issues that have not been addressed by NSW Ambulance, including paramedic safety, privacy and trial evaluation.”
Mr Wilson said NSW Ambulance had failed to adequately consult with paramedics or the union about the proposed trial of body worn cameras and paramedics do not believe adequate safeguards, policies or procedures have been set up to run a trial of body cameras at this time.”
“There is no evidence that body worn cameras reduce violence, with some studies showing an increase in violence when body worn cameras are used.”
If the cameras are used incorrectly, a paramedic may be in breach of the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW). NSW Ambulance has not provided information regarding training paramedics in the legal framework determining the valid use of the body worn camera.
“NSW Ambulance is being cavalier with paramedic safety, but also patient safety and wellbeing. Paramedics are concerned that the cameras will interfere with our patient care which relies on a significant level of trust with very personal information. Would you trust and be completely honest with a Paramedic who was wearing a camera, which may be recording everything you say?”
“Ambulance Victoria conducted a similar trial without adequately consulting their workforce, and the body worn cameras did not result in any discernible decrease in violence towards paramedics,” Mr Wilson said.
