Ambulance workers are being attacked at an unprecedented rate, with new figures revealing that more than 22,000 violent incidents were recorded across the UK in the past 12 months, the highest number ever reported.
South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hampshire, confirmed that three staff members are abused or assaulted every day, on average. The service recorded 1,147 incidents against its employees alone, contributing to a 15% national increase in violence compared to the previous year.
The types of attacks reported range from kicking, punching and head-butting to spitting, sexual assault, and assaults involving weapons.
Kirsten Willis-Drewett, assistant director of operations at SCAS, described the situation as “shocking”, and called for stronger action to protect frontline emergency workers.
“We have worked with our local police forces to secure convictions against people who have attacked our staff,” she said. “Current legislation can see such perpetrators jailed for up to two years, but with the numbers now at record levels, more national action is urgently needed.”
Alcohol and Drug Use Fuel Attacks
The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), which represents all UK ambulance services, is now urging ministers to step in. According to the AACE, alcohol remains the leading factor in many of the assaults, followed by drug misuse and incidents involving people experiencing mental health crises.
Jason Killens, Chair of the AACE, has written directly to ministers, warning that the situation is spiralling.
“These figures are truly shocking and reflect a pattern of increased violence, aggression and abuse directed at hard-working ambulance people who are there to help others in their times of greatest need,” he said.
SCAS has voiced its full support for the AACE’s call for the government to strengthen its approach to tackling abuse of emergency service workers. Despite existing protections under current law, including the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act, staff continue to report rising levels of hostility, aggression and fear while on duty.
During the last financial year, SCAS recorded just over 95 violent incidents per month across its service region, reinforcing the urgent need for a national response to ensure staff safety.
