I am advised:
NSW Ambulance holds the welfare and safety of paramedics as paramount, and
has a number of measures in place if there is a threat of potential harm or
danger. In the most serious cases, ambulance paramedics are advised to
"stand off" and await the arrival of police before approaching or
entering the address. Training programs are in place for all NSW Ambulance
paramedics to assist them in identifying and then dealing with potentially
volatile patient situations to minimise the risk of assault, and NSW Ambulance
supports paramedics making these decisions. The Health Services Act 1997
contains an offence of intentionally obstructing or hindering an ambulance
paramedic providing services to a person, with penalties of up to two years
imprisonment - five if combined with an act of violence. Paramedics have
the full respect and support of the NSW Government.
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