New figures have revealed that in the north east of England alone, a total of 48 ambulance crew members have been attacked while trying to assist injured or sick patients in the last year.  It has been described as “baffling” that some people feel aggression towards ambulance staff with their sole purpose being to help those who require medical attention. A further 119 staff were threatened verbally.

These figures have revealed a decline from the last two years: where 2012 saw 57 members of staff being assaulted, and 2011 saw 87 – but this has not been a cause for celebration as the problem continues to affect medical workers everyday.

“Zero tolerance approach”

These acts of violence range from ambulance staff being spat on, to paramedics being kicked and punched in the face.  David Edwards from the service said that there is “a zero tolerance approach” to anyone who behaves violently towards ambulance staff.  Verbal and physical attacks have always been one of the biggest risks with working as part of an ambulance crew, but Mr Edwards argues that this should not be the case.

He continued by saying: “I wish to remind some members of the public that our crews' sole objective is to help people who need medical attention … For those that choose to ignore this, rest assured the victim and the ambulance service will seek appropriate sanctions.”

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