Published: 2024-02-02 by, News Team in the National news category

Surge in Violence Against Ambulance Crews: Alarming Trend in London Mirroring United States

The escalation of physical violence against ambulance crews in London has surged by nearly 40% in the past year, mirroring similar trends in America.

Recent data from the London Ambulance Service illustrates a disturbing rise in abuse toward ambulance staff, with reported cases climbing from 523 in 2022 to 728 in 2023, marking a 39% increase.

This alarming trend encompasses instances of kicking, punching, spitting, or weapon attacks, impacting approximately two ambulance medics daily.

Pauline Cranmer, Chief Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, expressed grave concern, stating, “These shocking figures reveal a very, very sad state of affairs. Our ambulance crews and call handlers work tirelessly day in and day out to care for Londoners and treat each patient with respect. Abuse of any form can have a profound impact on our staff and won’t be tolerated.”

In America, similar challenges plague emergency medical services, with frontline responders encountering escalating violence. Despite being a small fraction of patient encounters, incidents of violence against medical personnel have been on the rise.

The London Ambulance Service has invested £3 million in equipping ambulances with safety systems to shield staff and established a dedicated violence reduction team to promote reporting and ensure perpetrators are held accountable.

Through the efforts of Violence Reduction Officers and a concerted reporting culture, over 70% of staff who experience abuse currently report it, leading to 38 successful prosecutions since April 2023.

To bolster safety measures, ambulances are now outfitted with panic buttons linked to recording devices, enhanced exterior monitors, and electronic tracking systems for expedited police response.

In tandem with other ambulance services across the nation, London Ambulance Service has launched a ‘Work Without Fear’ campaign, advocating for a violence-free workplace and encouraging staff and volunteers to report all incidents of abuse and violence.

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