§ Dr. Richard TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will introduce the provision of light-weight anti-stab vests for front line ambulance personnel. [51286]
§ Ms BlearsThere are no national plans to introduce the provision of light-weight anti-stab vests for front line ambulance personnel. The use of anti-stab vests is something local managers in ambulance trusts need to consider after undertaking a thorough assessment of the risk faced by their staff, and the need for this type of protective wear.
The London Ambulance NHS Trust has recently piloted the use of anti-stab vests at two ambulance stations. The evaluation of the pilots was positive, and this information is being shared with all other NHS ambulance trusts.