By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
CRANBOURNE has the highest number of addresses flagged for violence in Casey by Ambulance Victoria.
Thirteen addresses in Cranbourne are identified on the special patient information system as violent, which means the occupants of these addresses are known to own weapons or have harmed paramedics in the past.
Five addresses in Cranbourne are flagged for safety, which can include patients known to bite and kick or those with a mental illness, as well as access challenges.
Ambulance Victoria has eight violent addresses flagged in Narre Warren and Hampton Park and four in Hallam.
Acting General Manager, Emergency Operations at Ambulance Victoria, Mick Stephenson said no paramedic was expected to enter a scene where violence is likely or suspected.
“The safety of paramedics is paramount and we do not tolerate any violence or aggression towards our staff,” Mr Stephenson said.
“We are continually reviewing our systems to provide the safest possible work environment for paramedics.”
Dandenong had an alarming number of violent addresses with 23, while Noble Park had 11 residences flagged for violence.
Mr Stephenson said paramedics work with Victoria Police to increase their knowledge of potential danger spots.
This includes identifying where individuals may be violent, have a mental health issue, use drugs or own a firearm.
“There were 9331 special patient information records in our system in October 2015,” Mr Stephenson said.
“Of them, 816 relate to aggressive situations, with 39 records stating police may be required.
“A further 355 records relate to safety (please see definition below), with 47 records stating police may be required.”
