Ambulance service flags trouble spots
Figures released by the South Western Ambulance Service Trust under Freedom of Information legislation showed it had notices on 729 addresses in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset.
They include addresses where staff have been physically or verbally abused while on emergency calls.
In 2007-08 there were 38 reported assaults on ambulance staff down eight on the previous 12 months. It is feared many staff do not report incidents involving verbal abuse and aggression.
Chief executive Ken Wenman said: "Addresses where our staff are potentially at risk are flagged in order to protect them.
"The trust takes a zero tolerance approach to abuse towards any of its staff and will support the police in prosecuting assailants wherever possible. I cannot understand why anyone would want to abuse the very people there to treat and reassure them.
"All our staff play a vital role in serving their local communities and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity at all times and without exception."
The list, of domestic and commercial premises, included properties which were difficult to get to, patients with complex medical conditions and vulnerable adults.
Once a property or location has been flagged, crew are either sent further details directly to a screen in their vehicle, or called directly by an ambulance control colleague. Staff can then assess the situation to see if police back-up is required.
The trust said the number of addresses where crews required a police escort was "minimal".
It said it had introduced a number of measures and policies to protect staff, including a lone worker policy and violence and aggression policy.
The latest figures, including those from another nine ambulance services across the country, were released to Liberal Democrat health spokesman Norman Lamb.
He said: "It is unacceptable that such a large number of people are posing a threat to the safety of ambulance crews.
"NHS staff responding to emergencies and trying to save people's lives should be allowed to do their jobs without fear of violence or abuse. Tough action must taken when their safety is threatened.
"Protective body armour should be made available to all frontline ambulance staff, just as it is to the police."
