Edesix Body Worn Cameras To Protect Ambulance Staff

Edesix, a leading supplier of Body Worn Camera (BWC) solutions, are having their VideoBadge VB-300 cameras trialled by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) to better protect their ambulance crews against violence and aggression.

Crews in Exeter, Plymouth and Bristol are wearing the cameras during the three-month trial which began in October. The use of cameras is intended to deter abuse and obtain evidence of offences against the ambulance crews. If the trial is successful, the cameras could be rolled out across the Trust.

There were 1,285 recorded incidents of violent or aggressive behaviour towards SWASFT staff between August 2018 and August 2019, which is an increase of 24% compared to the previous year.

Ken Wenman, Chief Executive of SWASFT, said: “Like all our emergency services colleagues, our crews and control staff work in extremely difficult circumstances. They are often under threat of attack or abuse, and staff members are assaulted every day. That is totally unacceptable.

“We want to take every possible measure to ensure our employees are safe at work. Using body worn video cameras will discourage people from abusing and assaulting our staff. They will also enable us to provide evidence of abuse or assaults when they do happen so the police can bring more prosecutions against people who assault our staff.”

Edesix’s BWC solutions are designed to deter abuse, protect workers and record evidential-quality footage for review or to secure prosecutions. This all-encompassing solution, which includes the VideoBadge and VideoTag cameras, and VideoManager software, is proven in industries from retail to policing, prison and emergency services.

For further information please contact us at [email protected] or give us a call on 0131 510 0232