Secamb to install CCTV in ambulances to stop violence

CCTV cameras will be installed in ambulances in the south east of England in a bid to help prevent patients assaulting paramedics.

The South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said discussions had been taking place with staff and unions to finalise a policy on their use.

The systems will only record image and not sound.

Almost one third of Secamb's workforce were victims of violence from patients in 2012, according to a staff survey.

The service said the footage would be encrypted and password protected so it can only be viewed by certain people.

Head of fleet, Justin Wand, said: "We have been working with our unions to ensure we have a policy that protects staff and patients.

"CCTV fitted on vehicles ready to be switched on will come into operation in the coming weeks as our vehicles come through their scheduled maintenance."