CAMERAS are to film what goes on in the back of Dorset ambulances in a bid to combat attacks on 999 crews from drugs or alcohol-fuelled patients.

The increasing problems experienced by paramedics when they deal with troublesome casualties is being addressed in a fleet of specially-made £75,000 ambulances taking to the county's roads this week.

One area of concern is the safety of paramedics and crews onboard the vehicles, and that is why the cameras have been installed to film anyone who enters an ambulance and everything that happens inside.

Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust said the cameras were not to snoop on crews but to give added protection and provide evidence should it need to prosecute assailants who harm staff.

The cameras are of a similar type to those already installed in buses and taxis and it is hoped will act as a deterrent to abusive or violent patients.

However, patients will be provided with maximum privacy by the citing of the cameras behind their head.

Steve Smith, of Dorset Ambulance, said there was not a major problem with assaults in Dorset but the trust wanted to offer a deterrent against potential attacks on its crews.

He said: "If someone gets assaulted we can use the evidence from the cameras and will prosecute. Our staff do not deserve to be attacked while they are doing their job."

The digital images from the cameras will only be downloaded if there has been an incident onboard the ambulance.

Six of the new ambulances have already arrived. They have been modified to specifications outlined by Dorset ambulance staff and have a number of features including hydraulic stretcher lifts, pulleys and ramps to reduce the risk of crews damaging their backs lifting patients.

First published: Sept 30