An exhausted Victorian ambulance service is calling for stronger protection for frontline workers after a pregnant paramedic was violently attacked while on duty in Melbourne.

The incident occurred at The Austin Hospital on Monday when paramedics were transferring a female patient who had been revived after a drug overdose. While waiting to hand over care, the patient allegedly became violent and assaulted the ambulance staff member.

The pregnant paramedic, who was 12 weeks along, was punched and kicked in the face and stomach despite informing the patient of her condition.

Despite the attack, she continued treating the patient for around 40 minutes until another ambulance crew arrived, as hospital bed shortages delayed the transfer of care.

Although both the paramedic and her unborn child are now safe, she has been forced to step away from on-road duties due to fear for her safety. Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill said the decision was made to protect her health and wellbeing.

Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of increasing violence against paramedics, noting that staff have recently been bitten, shoved, and threatened with weapons while on duty.

He said the organisation may withdraw care if staff are placed in danger, stressing that paramedic safety must come first.

The union has backed the policy, saying no worker should have to choose between personal safety and patient care, while urging all incidents of violence to be reported to police.

Victorian Emergency Services Minister Harriet Shing condemned the attacks as disgraceful and said the government was working to strengthen protections and penalties for those who harm emergency workers.