Ambulance staff, who are usually regarded as heroes for their lifesaving work, have recently shed light on the alarming abuse they face while on duty. Ian Jones and George Casey, paramedics for the Welsh Ambulance Service, have bravely spoken out about being assaulted and abused while trying to carry out their duties. These alarming revelations come as the Welsh Ambulance Service disclosed that its staff members have been subjected to over 2,500 incidents of assault by the public over the last five years. This shocking figure, revealed as a result of a freedom of information request by Legal Expert, includes 398 physical assaults, 701 verbal attacks, and 1,457 incidents of non-physical abuse.
In the past year alone, ambulance staff experienced 308 instances of aggressive and threatening behaviour and 167 cases of inappropriate conduct. These distressing statistics are part of a wider trend across the UK, with the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) reporting 11,817 incidents of violence, aggression, and abuse against ambulance staff in just six months leading up to September 2024. This worrying trend ranged from common assault to serious premeditated attacks and even death threats. It is projected that if this trend continues, incidents of abuse against ambulance workers could surpass 20,000 across the UK’s 14 ambulance services.
Jason Killens, Chair of AACE and Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service University NHS Trust, expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and abuse faced by frontline ambulance workers. He emphasised the significant impact such behaviour has on the health and wellbeing of these dedicated individuals who are committed to saving lives. Killens called for the public to treat ambulance staff with the respect they deserve and urged the judiciary to enforce the Assaults on Emergency Workers Offences Act 2018 legislation to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
Ian Jones and George Casey shared their harrowing experience of being attacked by a patient during an incident in Burry Port. The patient, who initially required medical assistance, turned physically and verbally abusive towards the paramedics. Mr. Jones, a former RAF firefighter, recounted the distressing moment when they had to physically restrain the patient in the ambulance for everyone’s safety. Mr. Casey, who had a background in security before joining the ambulance service, highlighted the increase in assaults he has faced in this role compared to his previous job. He described incidents where he was physically attacked, including being bitten, which took a toll on his mental health and personal life.
Anna Parry, Managing Director of AACE, acknowledged the detrimental impact that continuous exposure to violence and abuse can have on ambulance staff’s wellbeing. She stressed that the sobering statistics reflect the grim reality that ambulance workers are at risk of facing violence or abuse every time they start a shift, thus potentially leading to long-lasting consequences for their emotional and mental health. This unprovoked aggression not only affects the individuals directly involved but also has broader implications for the overall delivery of emergency medical services.
The revelations of abuse faced by paramedics highlight the urgent need for society to acknowledge and address the unacceptable behaviour towards frontline healthcare workers. The physical and verbal assaults on ambulance staff not only jeopardise their safety but also undermine their ability to carry out their vital duties effectively. As the brave men and women of the ambulance service continue to respond to emergencies and save lives, it is imperative that they receive the respect, support, and protection they deserve from the communities they serve.