Ambulance services across the UK are reporting an alarming surge in violent, aggressive, and abusive incidents against NHS staff, with the rate set to reach unprecedented levels. According to the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), at least 55 ambulance workers face abuse or attacks every day—highlighting the dangerous environment many frontline staff endure while trying to save lives.
A Troubling Trend of Violence
Recent data from the AACE reveals 11,817 incidents of violence, aggression, and abuse were reported in just the first six months of the 2024-25 financial year. This figure accounts for 61% of the total 19,633 incidents recorded for the previous year, and at the current trajectory, incidents are expected to exceed 20,000 for the first time across the UK’s 14 ambulance services.
The nature of these attacks is deeply concerning. Cases include physical violence such as kicking, head-butting, and spitting, alongside verbal abuse, sexual assault, and even assaults involving weapons. Anna Parry, managing director of AACE, underscored the impact of these incidents:
“Ambulance and paramedic 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.”
Seasonal Challenges and Underlying Causes
The winter months present an especially difficult period for ambulance services. The AACE anticipates over 5,000 incidents will occur in December, January, and February, with more than 2,000 expected in December alone. Key contributors to these assaults include alcohol consumption, drug misuse, and mental health crises.
Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, echoed the gravity of the situation:
“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. There is absolutely no excuse for violence or abuse.”
Measures to Protect NHS Staff
In response to this escalating crisis, ambulance services have introduced several protective measures to safeguard NHS workers. These include:
- Body Cameras: Piloted across various services to deter potential offenders and provide evidence of incidents.
- Violence Prevention Teams: Established within NHS ambulance services to address threats to staff.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The AACE’s ongoing #WorkWithoutFear campaign aims to spotlight the alarming rise in abuse and its detrimental effects on healthcare professionals.
Anna Parry emphasized the importance of these initiatives:
“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.”
The Workers Union Says…
“The rising tide of violence against NHS workers calls for urgent action, not only within the healthcare system but also across society. Greater public awareness, stricter enforcement of laws protecting NHS staff, and enhanced support for victims are critical steps in addressing this issue. As the crisis unfolds, NHS workers continue to provide essential care under increasingly challenging conditions, highlighting their dedication and resilience.”
