Figures show two ambulance medics are abused everyday

London data reveals that two ambulance medics are abused daily

Shocking new data from the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust reveals that in London, two ambulance medics are subjected to daily physical violence, leading to urgent calls for change from NHS leaders. The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust has reported a significant 39% rise in cases of abuse in 2023, with the number increasing from 523 incidents in 2022 to 728. These distressing cases involve medics enduring various forms of violence, including kicking, punching, spitting, and even attacks involving weapons.

WARNING: Viewer discretion is advised due to images of physical assault and violence.

Enhanced safety measures implemented

It is crucial to emphasise that any form of abuse can have a profound impact on staff and will not be tolerated. In November of last year, the London Ambulance Service called for an end to violence against its staff following an incident where a paramedic was forcibly pushed out of an ambulance by a patient. The patient was subsequently apprehended and convicted, with a court order to compensate the paramedic. Despite some offenders being unable to attend court due to medical reasons, there have been 38 successful prosecutions since April 2023, thanks to the invaluable support of dedicated violence reduction officers who assist staff in reporting incidents and guide them through the judicial process.

The London Ambulance Service reports that over 70%of staff who experience violence on the job report it. To enhance safety measures, a £3 million investment has been made to implement various precautions, including panic buttons linked to recording devices. Furthermore, ambulances in the capital have been equipped with monitors to improve staff visibility outside the vehicle, as well as electronic trackers to facilitate a faster response from the police in case of incidents.

Pauline Cranmer, Chief Paramedic at London Ambulance Service said:

“These shocking figures reveal a very, very sad state of affairs.

“Our ambulance crews and call handlers work tirelessly day in and day out to care for Londoners and treat each patient with respect. Abuse of any form can have a profound impact on our staff and won’t be tolerated.

“On the whole, abusive patients are just a small number of the people our medics see every day, and sometimes violent behaviour arises as a consequence of a medical condition. However, I want to urge the public to treat our staff with kindness and respect while they go about their very busy shifts.

“We have invested £3 million in fitting our ambulances with safety systems to protect our staff and created a dedicated violence reduction team to encourage reporting and ensure abusers are brought to justice.

“Staff and volunteers feel increasingly confident to come forward and trust they will be supported through our own teams and the courts.”

“We come to work to help people, not for this. I always wear a body-worn camera now and I make sure I’m never alone with some patients who I think might be a risk”

In collaboration with ambulance services nationwide, LAS initiated the 'Work Without Fear' campaign to foster a culture of non-violence and enhance workplace safety for our front-line staff and volunteers. This initiative urges reporting of all incidents of abuse and violence, rejecting them as an acceptable part of the job.