UNIONS representing health workers have welcomed a decision that will see paramedics in England fitted with body cameras. 

NHS officials unveiled plans today to give workers the recording devices in a bid to prevent the thousands of attacks on front-line staff every year. 

Data from the NHS in England showed that 3,569 ambulance staff reported being assaulted in 2020-21 — up by 32 per cent in five years.

Medics will wear the cameras and be able to press a button to start recording if patients or the public become aggressive or abusive, with filming made available to police where needed.

Trials in London and the north-east of England have already shown that the cameras can also assist in de-escalating situations.

Representatives from health unions said they hoped the move would help protect their members but that more must be done to prevent attacks.

GMB national officer Rachel Harrison said: “Without prosecutions and sentencing for those who attack our emergency-service workers, the assaults will continue.  

“No-one should go to work and expect to be assaulted, and yet that is the sad reality for many of our members.”

Unison deputy head of health Helga Pile said: “Ambulance staff who’re looking after sick and vulnerable patients should never have to face violence and abuse while doing their jobs. 

“Body cameras can help to ensure their safety and bring attackers to justice.”

But Unite warned that it is critical that unions and workers themselves have a say in when and how this equipment is used. 

Debbie Wilkinson, chairwoman of the union’s ambulance committee, called for assurances that body cameras will not be used to snoop on ambulance-service employees.