THERE were calls last night for frontline ambulance staff to be issued with body armour.
Figures revealed that they face the threat of violence at thousands of addresses in England, with the most dangerous area including Merseyside.
Figures released under Freedom of Information legislation uncovered almost 7,500 addresses where ambulance staff require a police escort or are advised to exercise caution because of the potential for violence.
The true figure is certainly higher, as the details revealed relate to only 10 ambulance trusts.
The highest number was reported by the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust – covering Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire.
The Trust said it was warning staff about 3,071 “addresses which require a police presence and addresses which require extra vigilance/ care”.
