Concerns over the rise in the number of North West Ambulance staff being physically and verbally abused
An increase in attacks nationwide has led to a national campaign being launched called Work Without Fear
There are concerns over the massive rise in the number of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) staff being physically and verbally abused.
There were 1,170 incidents of NWAS staff being physically assaulted, threatened, or verbally assaulted between April to December of last year.
Additionally, every day last year 32 ambulance staff were abused or attacked nationally, according to the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).
"The caller proceeded to kick the side of my head sending me into the road"
Ian Shortman, Manchester based paramedic for the North West Ambulance Service, has told Greatest Hits Radio about some of his experiences while on duty.
The paramedic said: "As I was knelt on the floor tending to this relative, the caller proceeded to kick the side of my head sending me into the road. Witnesses describing it as if somebody would kick a rugby ball or a penalty."
In another instance, Ian told us of a time he was charged at with a steel chair.
"When I got there he was clearly intoxicated and verbally abuse", said Mr Shortman.
I tried to assist him to get up but he then started to spit at me, to lash at me, he then picked up a steel chair and came at me swinging him above his head.
"We don't walk into their environment in a hostile nature. We come because you need us and you want us. None of us should be at work with the fear of violence or abuse."
Work Without Fear campaign
Over 11,000 ambulance staff were abused either physically or verbally in England last year, which is an increase of more than 4,000 incidents compared to 2016.
The forms of abuse include kicking, slapping, head-butting and verbal abuse, and ranged from common assault to serious attacks involving knives and weapons, as well as threatening and verbal abuse.
This increase in attacks nationwide has led to a national campaign being launched by AACE called Work Without Fear.
The campaign aims to highlight the profound impact of this abuse on the everyday lives of ambulance staff and to encourage the minority of people who might commit these offences to have respect for the people who are trying to help them, their friends and families when they need it most.
History of the NHS:
NHS is established
The National Health Service was formally established in 1948 at what is now Trafford General Hospital in Manchester. The service was started by Aneurin Bevan under the government of Clement Atlee. Its aim was to create a system of free healthcare to all. One of the first patients was Sylvia Diggory, aged 13, who was suffering from a liver condition.
Prescription charges introduced
Soon after its inception, charges for prescriptions and dental care were introduced. Each prescription would cost one shilling, while dental care would require a £1 payment. Charges would eventually be dropped and then reinstated in 1968.
NHS discoveries
Throughout the 1950s, thanks to the pioneering technology the NHS was using, a number of medical advancements were made. Polio vaccinations were rolled out in the UK, the structure of DNA was found and the link between smoking and cancer was proven.
Treating new diseases
As time went on and the NHS grew, so did its capacity to look after those who were unable to be treated before. The Mental Health Act in 1983 was the first time the concept of consent was raised in treating those with mental health issues. Nurses also treated people suffering from AIDS in the late 1980s and, together with the government, helped to reduce the stigma of the disease, which primarily affected gay men.
Opening to the public
In order to cope with the increasing demand for the NHS, the structure of the service changed. In 1991, NHS Trusts were established in the first of a wave of reorganisation for the service. People would later be able to donate organs more easily with the introduction of the NHS Organ Donor Register.
Stretched resources
In the 21st century, the NHS came under pressure as a result of stretched resources. With the rising cost of medicines, the government voted to bring in longer working hours and minimal increases in pay for NHS staff in 2015. This resulted in a mass picket of junior doctors around the country for better working conditions. It was the first general strike in the NHS' history and the first instance of industrial action in 40 years. There have been further strikes in 2023
NHS during coronavirus
In 2020, a new disease named COVID-19 began to spread around the world, eventually reaching the UK at the end of January. The resulting pandemic led to NHS workers being on the frontline of the disease. Support for the NHS grew massively and during lockdowns, so-called "Claps for Carers" would take place every Thursday to thank the NHS and its staff for protecting the public during the pandemic.