Ambulance workers in the North West abused more than a thousand times in just 6 months

It's been revealed ambulance workers in the North West have been abused or assaulted more than a thousand times in just 6 months.

North West Ambulance Service say they've been dealing with around 165 incidents a month, which averages at five assaults every day. That includes both physical and verbal abuse towards paramedics and call handler staff.

The service is now releasing a number of calls to show what staff have to endure just for doing their job.

Former detective Natalie Samuels joined the service in July as head of violence prevention reduction and security.

With 15 years of policing experience, Natalie is leading efforts to ensure no abuse goes unchecked, “Our service users need to be aware that they can’t hide behind the phone, verbal abuse is not okay and you can be prosecuted. We also want to raise awareness and educate staff that any form of abuse should not be accepted and only by reporting these incidents can these offenders be punished for their abuse.”

Natalie is working closely with external partners, including police, hospitals, local councils and violence prevention networks to address this issue collaboratively.

She added, “Tackling violence requires a community approach. Together, we can implement prevention strategies that protect emergency workers and foster safer environments.”