Violent attacks and abuse targeting ambulance crews in the UK have soared to unprecedented levels, with frontline staff facing a staggering 22,536 incidents in 2024–25—a 15% increase on the previous year, according to new figures from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).
Health leaders have described the findings as “truly shocking” and “horrendous”, warning that paramedics and call handlers responding to life-threatening emergencies are increasingly being subjected to aggression from the very people they are trying to help.
Ambulance Workers Face Over 400 Attacks Weekly
The data reveals that ambulance staff are assaulted on average 433 times per week. The abuse ranges from kicking, punching and spitting to sexual assault and verbal threats. Female paramedics remain disproportionately affected by such behaviour.
However, ambulance chiefs believe the true number may be even higher, as many incidents go unreported due to the pressures and fast-paced nature of emergency response work.
Jason Killens, Chair of the AACE and Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, said: “These figures highlight an alarming and worsening trend. No one should face physical violence or abuse for simply doing their job—especially those saving lives.”
He called on government ministers across the UK to consider new preventative strategies and urged the judiciary to impose tougher penalties on offenders under existing legislation.
A Toxic Environment for Life-Savers
Unison’s national ambulance officer, Sharan Bandesha, echoed these concerns, stating: “No emergency worker should fear being attacked at work. These assaults are the direct result of a health system under strain—with overstretched ambulance services, soaring 999 call volumes, and an ageing, increasingly unwell population creating a toxic atmosphere.”
A Guardian investigation earlier this year exposed how over 1,000 patients per day in England may suffer “potential harm” due to ambulance handover delays, compounding the daily challenges faced by emergency workers.
Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation said the situation was “deeply concerning”, adding:
“The safety of NHS staff is non-negotiable. It’s unacceptable that those saving lives must worry about being assaulted.”
Government Responses Across the UK
The UK Government reaffirmed that those convicted of assaulting emergency workers could face up to two years in prison under existing laws.
The Welsh Government condemned all forms of violence against emergency staff, insisting that ambulance workers “must be treated with the utmost respect”.
The Scottish Government stated that NHS workers must never be subjected to violence and reminded the public that Scottish courts have the powers to respond decisively.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland expressed deep concern over the rising violence, warning that it is making the work of lifesaving professionals “immeasurably more difficult”.
