In a powerful and deeply controversial statement that has divided Australia, Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery has declared he will no longer tolerate violence against his frontline paramedics, announcing a radical new policy that could see ambulance crews walk away from emergency scenes if their safety is threatened.
Speaking after a horrifying incident in which a pregnant paramedic was punched in the face and kicked in the stomach while trying to help an injured man, Emery delivered a message that has shaken the nation:
“I don’t want my staff to be in danger when helping others.”
The CEO went even further, stating that Ambulance Victoria staff will now be authorised to immediately cease patient care and withdraw from any scene if they face violence, threats, or risk to their lives. He made it clear that he fully supports paramedics leaving dangerous situations and waiting for police assistance before continuing treatment.
“We were established to help and care for people to get them through danger,” Emery said in an emotional address. “But what about us? We protect people in exchange for being assaulted while pregnant?”
The Shocking Incident That Sparked the Outrage
The trigger for Emery’s strong comments was a disturbing assault on a female paramedic who was 12 weeks pregnant. While attending to a man who had reportedly been injured, the paramedic was suddenly attacked — punched in the face and kicked in the abdomen. She is now recovering at home, deeply traumatised, and concerned for her unborn child.
The brutal attack is just one of a growing number of violent incidents targeting emergency workers. Emery revealed shocking statistics: more than 1,000 reported assaults on healthcare and ambulance staff occurred last year alone, with several serious incidents happening in just the past two weeks — including a paramedic being stabbed in the face and neck.
In his most forceful statement to date, Jordan Emery announced a clear and uncompromising policy:
“From now on, if our staff face violence, threats to their safety, or any danger to their lives, they are authorised to stop treatment immediately and withdraw to a safe location. They will wait for police to secure the scene before providing further care. I fully support every paramedic who chooses to leave a dangerous situation to protect themselves.”
This position marks a significant shift in ambulance service policy and has ignited fierce debate across Australia.
Many Australians have expressed strong support for Emery’s stance. Paramedics and healthcare workers have flooded social media with messages of gratitude, describing years of escalating violence on the job.
One senior paramedic from Melbourne said: “Finally, someone at the top is standing up for us. We run toward danger every single day, but we shouldn’t have to risk our lives or our babies to do it.”
However, others have strongly criticised the announcement, accusing Ambulance Victoria of “abandoning patients” and putting lives at risk. Some politicians and commentators have called the policy “extreme” and “dangerous,” arguing it could delay critical care in life-threatening situations.
Emery’s comments have shone a harsh light on a national crisis. Ambulance services across Australia are reporting record levels of violence against staff. In Victoria alone, assaults on paramedics have increased dramatically over the past five years. Many workers say they feel unsupported and unprotected when attending jobs involving intoxicated, aggressive, or mentally unstable individuals.
“Last year we recorded over 1,000 assaults,” Emery stated. “That’s more than three attacks every single day on people whose only job is to save lives. This cannot continue.”
The CEO revealed that several recent incidents involved paramedics being spat on, punched, kicked, and even stabbed while trying to help. The attack on the pregnant paramedic appears to have been the final straw.
Strong Support from Within the Industry
Many medical organisations have backed Emery’s position. The Australian Paramedics Association described the announcement as “long overdue,” while the Victorian Ambulance Union called it a “necessary step to protect frontline workers.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan acknowledged the rising violence but urged caution, saying the government would work with Ambulance Victoria to find a balanced solution that protects both paramedics and patients.
Behind the statistics are real people. The pregnant paramedic who was assaulted has reportedly suffered significant emotional trauma. Colleagues say she is now terrified to return to work, worried about both her own safety and the health of her unborn baby.
Emery’s emotional defence of his staff has resonated with many ordinary Australians who understand the vital role paramedics play. “These are the people who come when we dial triple zero,” one Melbourne resident said. “The least we can do is ensure they can do their job without being attacked.”
Jordan Emery’s announcement may prove to be a turning point for ambulance services across the country. By drawing a firm line in the sand — stating that staff safety must come first — he has forced a national conversation about violence against emergency workers and the responsibilities of the community they serve.
Whether his bold policy will lead to real change remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Australia’s paramedics are no longer willing to remain silent about the dangers they face every day.
As Jordan Emery powerfully stated:
“We are here to save lives — but we will not sacrifice our own to do it.”
The message is loud and clear. The days of expecting paramedics to risk everything without adequate protection may finally be coming to an end.