Scottish ambulance workers subjected to nearly 800 attacks in five years, GMB investigation finds

Ambulance workers in Scotland suffered almost 800 attacks in the line of duty over the last five years, a GMB investigation has revealed.

Scottish Ambulance Service workers were attacked 773 times between 2017 and 2022, according to the investigation.

Of the total, 16 of these were sexual assaults.

The union is calling for new legislation to “protect our protectors” by flagging offenders and offering more support for victims.

Rachel Harrison, GMB national secretary, said: “Ambulance workers across Scotland go to work every day to save lives.

“Despite this, thousands of them are bitten, attacked, spat at and even sexually assaulted.

“No one should have to put up with that, least of all those who are there to protect us.

“GMB members helped change the law but more needs to be done.

“We demand full enforcement of the Protect the Protectors legislation, investment in better systems to flag offenders, and much better support for the victims of violence.”

GMB’s ambulance members successfully changed the law in 2018 when the Assaults Against Emergency Workers (Offences) Act made assaults on ambulance workers an aggravating factor for sentencing.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “The welfare of our staff is our top priority, and they have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse.

“The service has a range of measures in place to help protect staff, such peer support and training in dynamic risk assessment. Areas where staff have previously faced violence or threatening behaviour are taken into consideration and communicated to attending crews.”