More than half of ambulance crews in London have experienced physical violence in the last year, figures show
Figures released by London Ambulance Service (LAS) today (10th December) show that 53% of frontline colleagues have been attacked while on duty, and 562 of them were assaulted three or more times in just twelve months.
The LAS’ latest staff survey also found that 44% had been sexually harassed by patients or members of the public.
Amid the high rate of violence, LAS has launched a new campaign called “All we want for Christmas is… RESPECT”.
The campaign is calling on the public to show respect to those caring for them – both on the road in ambulances and over the phone.
A video released for the campaign shows a patient who tries to kick and punch a paramedic before smashing her iPad.
Emily Jackson, 31, is seen looking frightened in the video as the patient is threatening to kill her.
But she says the most traumatic assault happened one December when she was called to a pub to treat a man seriously ill after drinking and taking drugs.
She said: “It was this time of year – when people are out drinking or partying. Our patient was unconscious on the floor and I was really worried about him.
“He was struggling to breathe and I worried he was going to stop breathing and go into cardiac arrest. We were getting ready to do an ECG when he regained consciousness. He was friendly at first then suddenly switched.
“He looked ready to fight the whole pub and made sexually aggressive comments to me. He was throwing punches and I got hit in the face.”
The attacker left the pub but walked back in soon after.
“It was like a horror film – I just froze. He threatened to rape me and said he would dump my body in an alleyway. That threat frightened me more than when he was throwing punches; it chilled me.”
Emily says she was well supported by her team and wanted to continue working but a few days later had a breakdown.
She added: “It wasn’t the first time I’d been attacked at work, and it wasn’t the last. It takes its toll.”
Emily’s attacker was jailed for eight months for beating and threatening an emergency worker.
Drugs and alcohol are a factor in around 40% of violent incidents – and ambulance crews risk abuse at this time of year with so many people out and about during Christmas party season.
LAS chief executive Jason Killens said: “During the festive season when Londoners are celebrating, our people are working tirelessly to save lives.
“Any violence, threats or harassment is completely unacceptable. No one should face this at work and on top of the hurt and harm it causes our people, it can prevent us from caring for patients who need our help. All we are asking for is respect – on the phone, on the road and in the communities we serve.
“If abuse happens, we work with the police to ensure it is investigated and offenders are punished.”
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