Ambulance service launches campaign after more than a thousand assaults on staff were reported last year
East of England Ambulance Service have launched the project to warn those who abuse staff that they could face jail time. - Credit: Archant
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has re-launched its ‘Don’t Choose to Abuse’ campaign, highlighting the abuse ambulance staff receive after more than 1,000 incidents were reported last year.
During 2017-18 there were more than 1,000 incidents reported by ambulance staff, including 252 incidents of physical abuse and intimidation and eight incidents where weapons were used.
The campaign has been re-launched across the region with a poster campaign going out in the new year to pubs, licensed premises and other public places, reminding people that assaulting ambulance crew members will not be tolerated.
The Assaults on Emergency Workers Act 2018 came into effect on November 13 2018, and means that people that assault ambulance crew members can face up to 12 months in prison.
A recent case at Cambridge Crown Court highlighted the kind of violence crews can face after Jordan Hurst was sentenced to two years in prison for a rampage in Cambridge in July last year.
Hurst assaulted a van driver, a cyclist, a police officer and two paramedics called to the scene and then threatened and abused one crew member, and attempted to trap his leg in the door of the ambulance before punching the other crew member.
Dorothy Hosein, Chief Executive of EEAST said: “No-one should have to face abuse as part of their job, but when ambulance crews and call-handlers, who are there to help, are abused it’s totally unacceptable.
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“Some members of our staff have reported they receive some form of abuse almost daily. This can have a cumulative effect on people’s wellbeing, and part of our campaign is telling staff that if they receive abuse from members of the public, they will be supported.
“We welcome the strengthening of the law, and will support our staff in reporting abuse and pressing for the strongest penalties.
“So, while we appreciate that we often deal with people under difficult circumstances, we would like to remind everyone they have a choice.
“Don’t choose to abuse – the consequences can be serious.”
To support the Don’t Choose to Abuse campaign, contact media@eastamb.nhs.uk to receive an information pack.
