Ambulances crews face highest-ever rate of 'shocking' violence and 'horrendous' abuse

Ambulances crews across the UK are facing the highest-ever rate of “shocking” violence and “horrendous” abuse.

There were more than 22,500 incidents of violence, aggression, and abuse towards UK ambulance services in the past year – an increase of almost 15% from 2023/24.

The new data from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) revealed on Thursday that at least 62 ambulance workers are abused or attacked in the UK every single day.

Reported incidents include kicking, punching, slapping, head-butting, spitting, verbal abuse and sexual assault and ranging from common assault to significant serious attacks involving a multitude of weapons.

The situation is now so serious that AACE has written to health leaders across the four nations and is reaching out to UK health ministers “at the highest level” to explore interventions that could deter these attacks.

“These figures are truly shocking and reflect a pattern of increased violence, aggression and abuse directed at hard-working ambulance people who are there to help people in their times of greatest need,” AACE chairman Jason Killen said.

“Frontline staff as well as call handlers are affected by this horrendous abuse and this unacceptable behaviour has a major long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of ambulance people who are simply trying to do their jobs and help save lives.”

He added that it is “vital” the court system uses “all available legislation” to ensure appropriate sentences for people who are guilty of committing “horrific crimes” against ambulance staff.

Violence against ambulance staff has been steadily increasing since 2021/22, when there were 15,430 incidents. The 2024/25 figure of 22,536 is the highest figure ever reported.

“These new figures are beyond worrying and underline the upsetting fact that ambulance employees face the very real possibility of being subject to violence or abuse each time they start a shift, which is just unacceptable,” Anna Parry, managing director of AACE added.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “No one should be the victim of abuse or violence while at work and assaults on NHS staff are completely unacceptable.

“We continue to encourage all NHS organisations to support criminal proceedings against anyone who assaults staff.

“The courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with assaults. The Emergency Workers Act includes a penalty of up to 12 months’ imprisonment, a £10,000 fine, or both, and we have extended the Act to include GPs, doctors, nurses and midwives working in the community.”