I do think that the magnitude makes a difference. That I am in a uniform does not make me any less of a human being (as, I think, this blog shows). Sure the member of the public being rude, referring to us as female genitalia and being completely selfish could have been ignored, but then he may feel justified doing this to other people. If I were not in a uniform, would it be more acceptable? If so, then why should I be forced to endure crap from people just because I have a trust badge on a green shirt. Behaviour like this should be challenged, and us not being 'easy targets' is one way of challenging this. Otherwise it leads to the slippery slope where I can be assaulted and should 'expect' it. Something that has already happened in a legal case where a judge has said that we should expect to be assaulted by drunks. We are not, and should not, be victims - bound by some idea that as ambulance people we should be angels. As NeeNaw posted earlier (and I will probably be touching upon in the near future) while the public can complain about our behaviour, we have no recourse to do the same. So are insults to be one way? And would you expect a UPS deliverer to act the same, or a businessman in a suit? Because if you do, then you create a culture of victimhood, where those who insult us can get away with it. (Note - lack of sleep may make this reply seem a little rude - this is not my intention).