A paramedic says there's a lack of respect for first responders

More than three thousand ambulance staff reported being physically or verbally assaulted last year.

ACC is footing an increasing bill for violence - they've already paid out 13-million dollars in assault-related claims this year.

Christchurch based intensive care paramedic Dean Brown says drugs and alcohol are used as a scapegoat.

He says people often think it excuses bad behaviour, if they're under the influence of something.