CCTV cameras are to be installed on ambulances to protect staff from abusive patients.
South East Coast Ambulance Service will begin using security cameras on its vehicles to help investigate incidents of abuse and road collisions. Staff also hope they will act as a deterrent to thieves targeting the vehicles.
The cameras, which only record images and not sound, will come into operation over the coming weeks.
The footage will be encrypted and password protected so it can only be viewed by those with appropriate authority to do so.
Secamb head of fleet Justin Wand said: "I'm pleased we're now able to proceed with our plans to use CCTV on our ambulances.
"It is an important move to ensure our staff are appropriately protected.
"We have been working with our unions to ensure we have a policy that protects staff and patients."
