South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), the team that covers Andover, is backing a nationwide call for action as violent assaults on ambulance workers reach record highs.
New figures released by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) show a sharp increase in violent incidents, with 22,536 cases reported across UK ambulance services in the last financial year—up nearly 15% from the previous year. The reports include verbal abuse, spitting, kicking, punching, headbutting, and even attacks with weapons.
Locally, SCAS staff are experiencing an average of more than 95 incidents a month across the South Central region—that’s more than three attacks every single day.
Kirsten Willis-Drewett, Assistant Director of Operations at SCAS, said:
“Unfortunately we know that staff out on the road and in our control room face unacceptable physical and verbal abuse every day, and we wholeheartedly support AACE’s calls for more action to address this rising problem.”
SCAS has already taken steps to protect its workforce, including body worn cameras and safety training, and works closely with local police to secure prosecutions. Under current laws, offenders can face up to two years in prison for attacking emergency workers.
But SCAS, alongside all UK ambulance services, is clear: more needs to be done at a national level.
Alcohol is the most common factor behind assaults, followed by drug use and mental health crises. Worryingly, race and sexuality are increasingly reported as motivating factors in these attacks.
Jason Killens, AACE Chair, said:
“This situation is now so serious that we are seeking to engage with UK health ministers at the highest level to explore new interventions that could help deter potential perpetrators of these attacks.”
As part of the national #WorkWithoutFear campaign, ambulance services are stepping up violence prevention, including:
- Dedicated violence prevention teams
- Rollout of body worn cameras
- National reporting system for violence
- Training in restrictive interventions
- Counselling and emotional support for victims of abuse
The hope is that increased awareness, tougher enforcement, and community support can help turn the tide.
To find out more, visit www.aace.org.uk/vaa.
SCAS has also shared the personal story of student paramedic Al Goffey, who was assaulted in Aylesbury while responding to a flagged-down emergency. His attacker was sentenced to 18 months in prison. You can read more about his experience here: www.scas.nhs.uk/abuse-against-staff-is-unacceptable.