Isleworth-based paramedics are now being encouraged to wear stab vests as they deal with a rising number of alcohol related call-outs and abuse over the festive period.

The admission from John Huggins, ambulance operations manager at a unit in Mogden Lane, emerged as a campaign against the problem got into full swing.

Figures released from London Ambulance Service show that some units have suffered more than 100 attacks in the last year.

The Isleworth unit was among the worst unit targeted with 117 attacks on medical staff.

"People tend these days to go out and get blotto which has led to a rise in violence related incidents, leading to physical and verbal attacks on my staff," said Mr Huggins.

"One crew member was attacked as he was travelling home on a train wearing a London Ambulance Service uniform.
"Others have ended up with minor injuries and bruises when all we are trying to do is help people.

"We now provide our staff with stab proof vests over the holiday period. Half will be wearing them as part of their uniform as a matter of course.

"The abuse does impact on staff who are trying to do their best for individuals. My staff work very hard in extreme locations and do a really good job."

Separate LAS figures show a 11 per cent rise in alcohol related calls across the capital in the last year.

In Richmond and Twickenham those calls have risen by 33 per cent - the eighth biggest increase in London - and form nearly six per cent of the crews' workload in the borough.

In Hounslow the rise is seven per cent and 32.2 per cent in the last three years.

"It is particularly worse at this time of year when people who have drunk too much call for an ambulance when it isn't appropriate," said Mr Huggins.

"Sometimes people call an ambulance thinking they will get a free lift home. Those people don't realise they are taking up valuable ambulance time, and resources."

The LAS has now released a two minute video showing what life is like for frontline staff over the holiday season.

An alternative response vehicle called the 'Booze Bus' will also be operating across central London on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to attend to drunken revellers and take groups of patients to hospital in one trip rather than sending multiple ambulances.

To view the film log on www.londonambulance.nhs.uk