Ambulance service ask public to respect staff during holidays as abuse soars

Shockingly, over 2,300 incidents of abuse against ambulance staff have been recorded in the past 12 months, with 531 physical assaults, 913 incidents of aggression, and 863 cases of verbal abuse.

The figures reveal a significant increase in abuse cases, as the total number of incidents for the year 2020-21 was 1,247; in 2016-17, the number of incidents was under 1,000.

EEAST Chief Executive Tom Abell said: “Our people working on the frontline and in our call-handling centres will be available throughout the holiday season. If you need us, don't hesitate to call. Even during times of heightened stress, we ask that you treat our staff with courtesy and respect.”

Andrew Benson, a Leading Operations Manager at EEAST, oversees operational ambulance crews in Suffolk. Mr Benson recently voiced his concern about the increasing number of ambulance staff members who have been taken off duty due to physical or mental trauma resulting from assaults. "It's unfortunate that we have seen a shift in the number of attacks on our staff," he stated.

Andrew has attended incidents to support staff that have been sexually assaulted by a patient and staff that have activated their emergency buttons due to aggression, abuse, and physical assaults.

Following an incident in Ipswich, one of Andrew’s team sustained severe physical injuries and emotional trauma, resulting in long-term sick leave. Another crew member also required time off for emotional support. Despite these difficulties, they remained dedicated to their duties and continued to assist the patient.

Andrew’s message is simple: “If you call 999 and you need our services, we will be there to care for you. If you abuse our staff, we will seek a prosecution wherever possible and the strongest penalties.”