Paramedics at London Ambulance Service share impact of abuse on Good Morning Britain as shocking data is released

Two paramedics from London Ambulance Service have shared the shocking impact of violent abuse on ambulance staff.

Charlotte Miller and Gary Watson appeared on ITV’s breakfast show Good Morning Britain alongside hosts Richard Madeley and Ranvir Singh.

The two paramedics opened up about their experiences after the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives shared new data showing physical and verbal aggression against ambulance staff has risen to the highest rate on record.

Gary Watson was violently assaulted by a drunk patient in a horrific eight-minute assault. Gary suffered a torn ligament and serious injuries to his face, throat and neck in the attack. Two other medics were also injured and a fourth badly shaken. A man was found guilty but only given a suspended sentence.

Gary said: “There is an element of fear that we carry in our work now on a daily basis. But we do our job because we want to help people. We get up and just try to help others the best that we can – and that’s why we do the job because we love helping others – it is what keeps us going.”

Charlotte was sexually assaulted by a patient in 2022. He was jailed for nine months after he groped Charlotte and exposed himself.

She said: “This incident took place during the first year of my paramedic journey. Initially it was devastating that someone would invade my personal space like this.

“But thankfully I received a lot of managerial and colleague support – as well as being offered counselling services. I’m very patient-focused so despite this horrific experience, I want to carry on doing my job.”

The latest data shows there were 22,536 incidents of violence, aggression and abuse directed at paramedics and other ambulance workers in 2024-25, up 15% on the 19,633 in 2023-24.

In London, the increase is similar to the distressing national picture. There was an increase of 11.3% of all violence, aggression and abuse incidents in 2024 compared to 2023.

Physical assaults increased by 8% in 2024 compared to 2023, while verbal abuse increased by 13% in 2024 compared to 2023. This works out at approximately seven reported incidents every day against ambulance crews and call handlers in London.

Chief Paramedic Pauline Cranmer said: “I commend the bravery of Charlotte and Gary in speaking out and sharing their personal experiences to shed light on the dangers they face.

“London Ambulance Service is committed, where appropriate, to making sure those who treat our staff in an abusive or aggressive manner are held to account.”