It goes without saying that attacks on emergency service personnel going about their business are entirely unacceptable.

The question is: what do we do about it?

The easiest part of that question to answer is how we take care of such workers, especially ambulance and fire service staff who should not be expected to have to protect themselves.

In an ideal world, police would always be able to offer that protection. But this is impractical, as police numbers are already stretched without patrol cars riding shotgun every time an ambulance or a fire tender is called out to a remotely dodgy area.

It is shocking that we even have to consider such an option – though clearly there is a real need to provide such cover.

About once a month a Lothians paramedic is attacked as they respond to emergency calls. Incidents have included staff being kicked and bitten, and “spit kits” are being issued so DNA can be used to pursue attackers.

via Edinburgh Evening News .