AMBULANCE staff are to trial stab proof vests in what has been called a "sad day", by the service's chief executive.

Anthony March, West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust chief executive, made the comments after the trust announced the trial following a health and safety review.

Mr Marsh, said: "This is a very sad day for our trust. It is a damning indictment of modern society that our staff now feel strongly enough to ask for this level of protection."

The decision to launch the trial has been taken after a report was submitted to the ambulance trust board following a risk assessment and review of health and safety issues.

Vests from two or three companies will be issued to more than 40 male and female staff to wear throughout their shifts.

A working group made up of staff, unions and managers will be set up to ensure the trial is thorough and provides adequate information for board members to make a final decisionin six months time.

New research revealed 121 of the service's staff reported being assaulted and of those, four were attacked with some sort of weapon ranging from a television remote control, a kettle, a rucksack and a false leg.

The figures were recorded for the period April 1 2007 to February 29 2008.

Research also showed statistically Saturday between 6.00pm and midnight is the most likely time staff will become a victim of violence.

Mr Marsh added: "This trial will ensure that we examine all of the issues around the possible introduction of stab vests across the region so that we can ensure that we make the right decision for staff.

"The latest figures about the number of assaults on staff are equally shocking.

"People join the ambulance service to help people in their hour of need. The thought that they can't do that job because of fear of violence; it really is unbelievable."

He explained the trust had to "ensure" its staff were protected and warned the "full weight of the law" would be used against people attacking the ambulance service's personnel.