if the system (Computer Aided Dispatch and AMPDS) works then ambulance crews should not be sent to incidents where there might be danger without police backup, in addition all ambulance crews are trained in dynamic risk assessment and should leave the scene if risk is presented.

However things can go wrong and road crews will find themselves in danger. Issuing body armour may lead to crews being less risk adverse and putting themselves in danger. In addition if Trusts make body armour available and it is not used then it is likely the Trusts liability will be reduced in the event of injury.

Body armour is not the answer - what is required is legislation that makes any attack on the emergency services subject to mandatory minimum custodial sentence.