That as much as 95% of healthcare workers have, in the line of duty, experienced verbal or physical assault, is a staggering and extremely sobering statistic.

Paramedics, ambulance officers, nurses, and aged care workers are the subject of a new public service campaign, being launched by the Victorian Government today.

Premier Daniel Andrews, in conjunction with WorkSafe Victoria, unveiled the first in a series of extremely confronting TV ads that will begin airing across Victoria from tonight.

The tense, slow-motion ad puts a paramedic in harm’s way as he explains all he’s trying to do is simply help. It’s not an easy watch.

In the accompanying Facebook post, Andrews asserts that the Government is working to toughen up laws for people who assault emergency services and healthcare workers, while simultaneously boosting training, safety, and resources for frontline workers.

Similar ad campaigns have been conducted by other states in recent times. Tasmania launched a violent and (frankly) horrifying ad campaign a few months ago.

The advertising campaign in Victoria will also feature signage placed prominently on the side of ambulance vehicles.

We’re supporting a new @WorkSafe_Vic campaign targeting aggression & violence against health workers. #itsneverok pic.twitter.com/fRAiHwAWtj — Ambulance Victoria (@AmbulanceVic) June 13, 2017

Health Minister Jill Hennessy announced the total funding for initiatives aimed at protecting health staff will be doubled from $20million to $40million.

This announcement follows the coward punch attack on surgeon Patrick Pritzwald-Stegmann which occurred inside the foyer of Box Hill Hospital on May 30th, leaving him in a critical condition. His alleged attacker has been charged with recklessly causing serious injury.

Source: The Age.