Hampshire ambulance crews facing rising levels of violence

South Central is warning it's having a huge impact on staff

Author: Callum McIntyrePublished 9th Jan 2025
Last updated 9th Jan 2025

There are fears over rising levels of violence faced by ambulance crews working across Hampshire.

Data released by the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) shows at least three members of staff have been abused or attacked each day on average over the past nine months.

The figure is said to be on the rise and has led to measures being introduced including body-worn cameras and violence reduction teams.

“Spitting is quite common"

Assistant Director of Operations at SCAS, Kirsten Willis-Drewett, said:

"If you do get assaulted it’s a very scary situation and something very difficult and challenging. You find yourself questioning why you do the job if that’s what you’re expected to put up with.”

Data from SCAS, which covers Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, shows incidents of bullying or harassment has more than tripled since the 2021/22 financial year.

This year’s figures also show there has been 44 staff members who’ve been assaulted and needing treatment, whilst more than 500 staff reported incidents of abusive behaviour.

Nationally, at least 55 ambulance staff every day are abused or attacked, according to the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).

Ms Willis-Drewett said spitting is quite common, as well as biting and nail scratching.

She added:

"We’re pleased that our staff do report because that’s the most important part so that we can take action. We do have a zero tolerance towards abuse against our staff in whatever guise that may be.”

"It's completely unacceptable."

Data from the organisation shows there were 11,817 reported incidents of violence, aggression and abuse against ambulance staff in the six months to September 2024.

The figures accounts for 61% of the 19,633 reported for 2023/24 overall, the AACE claims.

At the current rate, the organisation expects incidents to top 20,000 for the first time ever across the 14 ambulance services.

Anna Parry, managing director of AACE, said:

"These new figures highlight the upsetting fact that ambulance employees face the very real possibility of being subject to violence or abuse each time they start a shift.

"This can have a significant and lasting impact on wellbeing and sometimes even lead to people leaving the ambulance service."

According to the organisation, alcohol plays a major part in assaults against ambulance staff, followed by drugs and people in mental health crisis.

AACE also has an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the issue.

Ms Parry added:

"Our ongoing #WorkWithoutFear campaign is shining a light on this alarming issue and raising awareness of the negative impact of this behaviour on our people, while a significant amount of work is ongoing within ambulance services to help better protect our workforce."

Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, said:

"Violence against any member of NHS staff is completely unacceptable.

"Healthcare staff provide a vital service, ensuring patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible, often in high-pressure and challenging situations.

"This is particularly true for ambulance staff. There is absolutely no excuse for the public to direct violence, aggression or abuse against NHS staff who are there to help them."

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