Calls for 'respect' as assaults on emergency workers rise
A plea is being made ahead of the festive period
Emergency workers in Wales are reminding the public to treat them with respect in the face of a continued rise in assaults.
There were 1,421 assaults between January and June, a 1.8% increase on the previous year.
Seven incidents involved a weapon, and more than a quarter of assaults resulted in injury.
Assaults ranged from slapping, scratching, spitting and verbal abuse to punching, biting, kicking and head-butting.
Jason Killens, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said:
“The run-up to Christmas means more people are out enjoying the revelry, and with alcohol consumption comes an increase in assaults, both physical and verbal.
"There were 77 verbal attacks alone on our ambulance control room staff in the first six months of the year.
"We know it’s distressing when you’re waiting for help, but abusing our call handlers is not the answer – if anything, it could potentially delay help. And on the road, crews might have no choice but to leave a scene if their safety is compromised, and that’s not helpful for anyone, especially the patient.
"Emergency workers are normal human beings just trying to do a job – they’re there to help you, so give them the credit and respect they deserve.”