New series of ‘Ambulance’ highlights the impact of violence on paramedics and call handlers

New figures from London Ambulance Service reveal paramedics and call handlers in the capital experienced violence or abuse a staggering 2,159 times last year (in the year to April 2024).

During 2022-23 there were 1,525 reported incidents which reflects an improvement in reporting levels for the Service. Incidents including attacks with weapons, kicking, punching, head-butting, spitting, sexual assault and verbal abuse. Figures from April to September this year (2024) show that there is an average of just over 200 reported incidents of violence and aggression each month on frontline staff.

These shocking figures come as the new series of ‘Ambulance’, which started on BBC One this week, shines a spotlight on the impact of assaults towards paramedics and call handlers while they care for the people of London.

In a harrowing scene from the first episode, viewers see ambulance crews react in shock when a panic alarm blares out on the open radio channel of ambulances out around the capital and they hear the screams of colleagues being attacked by a patient.

Crewmates David Empson and Lex Gioia are on their way to a woman with breathing difficulties when the distressing sounds of the assault fill the cab of their ambulance.

David, who works as an Emergency Medical Technician at Homerton Ambulance Station, said: “It was pretty shocking to hear the altercation over the radio and hearing the crews trying to get away from the patient. There was a really worrying period of silence as the teams in the control room tried to reach them on the open channel.

“The crew sounded terrified and we were really scared for them. It was a stark reminder that it could happen to any one of us. It was a horrific start to the day.”

The episode shows that some of the crews who heard the assault are reduced to tears but have to remain focused and continue to head on to their next patients. Colleagues later go to visit the crew who were assaulted to offer support as they recount the experience.

Assaults against ambulance staff have remained persistently high in recent years. London Ambulance Service was the first ambulance trust to introduce a dedicated Violence Reduction Unit to support colleagues to report crimes and work closely with police to ensure abusers are prosecuted where appropriate.

Daniel Elkeles, Chief Executive of London Ambulance Service, said: “Our clinicians and our call handlers come to work day and night to care for others.

“It is disgraceful that they should face aggression and the shocking scenes in the Ambulance documentary show the profound impact this abuse can have.

“Our people must be safe to do their jobs without fear.

“I would also like to thank our Violence Reduction Unit as the team work incredibly hard keep our staff safe.”

All our ambulances have been fitted with CCTV, audio recording, panic buttons and new monitors, as well as electronic tracking to help police arrive as quickly as possible.

As well as this £3 million investment in the ambulance crew safety system, all ambulance stations have body-worn cameras for staff to use while on duty.

This is why the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) – with support from NHS England (NHSE) – has launched the second phase of its national #WorkWithoutFear campaign to highlight the profound impact of this abuse.

And London Ambulance Service paramedic Charlotte Miller features in the campaign’s new video and social media drive to promote it.

Charlotte was sexually assaulted in an ambulance by a patient she was trying to help. The man was later jailed.

In the video, Charlotte says: “I absolutely love being a paramedic, it’s a fantastic job.” But talking about the assault, she admits: “Since it happened, I am quite wary of certain patients and am always aware of the thought it might happen again.”

London Ambulance Service, AACE and the wider ambulance sector continues to push for courts to use the full powers of the Assaults on Emergency Workers Offences Act 2018 legislation to ensure appropriate sentences.

The public can pledge their support for this campaign by using and sharing #WorkWithoutFear on social media and by visiting Charlotte Miller – AACE VAA to view Charlotte’s film.