Violent attacks on ambulance workers in Scotland down

The number of attacks on ambulance staff has fallen since 2012 - but the GMB union says there is still more work to do with 978 assaults in the past 5 years.

In 2017/18 there were 105 incidents compared to 188 in 2012/13 - however across the UK as a whole attacks rose by 34% with more than 14,000 since 2012.

The GMB has used these figures to launch an investigation.

Examples of violent attacks reported by GMB members include: being bitten, stabbed, having blood spat at them by intravenous drug users, having bones broken, attempts to hit them with cars, and racist and sexual abuse.

The union revealed the shocking figures ahead of a crunch vote by MPs in Westminister on tougher sentences for attacks on emergency workers down south this week. GMB is supporting new legislation that faces its final House of Commons votes this Friday 27 April 2018. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill would introduce a new offence of common assault against an emergency worker and require courts to treat attacks on emergency workers as an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.

Kevin Brandstatter, GMB NHS National Officer, said: “No one should be told that facing violence is just ‘part of the job’. The number of attacks faced by ambulance workers as they try to save lives is beyond unacceptable. Our members do their jobs with complete professionalism - but everyone has their breaking point.

“As lone working becomes more common and cuts to services bite, ambulance workers are increasingly vulnerable to violence in the line of duty. Changing the law will be an important first step as current sentences aren’t providing an adequate deterrent.

“MPs must back emergency workers by backing this crucial legislation on Friday and widening its scope to include sexual assaults. The best laws will only be effective if they are enforced. Ambulance workers are there we when the public need them - and now they need us all to stand up for them.''

• Paramedic
• Ambulance