Call for Qld paramedics to use capsicum spray
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A union is calling for Queensland ambulance workers to be allowed to use capsicum spray to protect them against violent patients.
The Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LHMWU) says there are about three assaults on paramedics every month.
Legislation is being debated in State Parliament to treat assaults on paramedics as the same as assaults on police.
But LHMWU spokesman Jason Dutton says paramedics cannot carry any protective equipment.
"One officer was assaulted by being kicked to the back and being punched several times around the head," he said.
"Not two weeks before we had officers that were threatened with their life and obviously they've been the pinnacle and the decision making for us to say enough is enough."
Mr Dutton says the spray will help paramedics defend themselves.
"Sometimes those situations escalate and ambulance officers find themselves trapped and that's when they become the punching bag of some of these people," he said.
"This is about arming them with an appropriate piece of equipment that will allow them to get themselves out of that situation and obviously look after their safety."
