Ambulance workers ‘bitten, head-butted and spat at’ on duty

The GMB union said the true scale of attacks is likely to be higher.

The GMB union said its investigation has revealed around 9,500 incidents including crews being bitten, head-butted, spat at and struck with weapons (PA)

Ambulance workers have been subject to thousands of violent attacks in the line of duty over the last five years, a new study suggests.

The GMB union said its investigation has revealed around 9,500 incidents including crews being bitten, head-butted, spat at and struck with weapons.

More than 1,200 of the incidents were sexual assaults, said the union.

We demand full enforcement of the Protect the Protectors legislation, investment in better systems to flag offenders, and much better support for the victims of violence

Rachel Harrison, GMB

The GMB said the true scale of the attacks is likely to be higher as only eight out of 11 ambulance trusts across England, Scotland and Wales responded to its Freedom of Information Act request.

GMB national secretary Rachel Harrison said: “Ambulance workers go to work every day to save lives.

“Despite this, thousands of them are bitten, attacked, spat at and even sexually assaulted.

“No one should have to put up with that, least of all those who are there to protect us.

“GMB members helped change the law but more needs to be done.

“We demand full enforcement of the Protect the Protectors legislation, investment in better systems to flag offenders, and much better support for the victims of violence.”