Zero tolerance for ambulance staff attacks

Three ambulance staff are assaulted every single day according to a new analysis by the general GMB union. It is calling for ambulance service trusts to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach to verbal abuse and attacks on its members.

GMB national officer for ambulance services, Justin Bowden, said the findings were as shocking as they were unacceptable. He added: “Ambulance workers deserve full protection from their employers and the law.”

An analysis of prosecution figures for the North West show that less than half of reported cases led to prosecutions. Some NHS trusts have an automatic recourse to the law regarding damage to property, but not for attacks on staff. “A change of attitude by management is needed on this,” said Bowden.