THE number of reports of ambulance service staff being abused and assaulted rose by 10 per cent last year.

More than 1,000 (1,049) incidents were recorded by South Western Ambulance Service Trust in 2017/18– a rise from 952 the previous year.

Of these, 165 were physical assaults with nine members of staff forced to take a total of 32 days of sick leave following the incidents.

About five per cent (52) of the incidents were reported to police with one ending with the perpetrator receiving a 16-week prison sentence.

A report produced ahead of Friday’s meeting of the service’s board meeting said that although most of the injuries were minor it “does not demean the impact these types of events have on staff”.

Alcohol is recorded as the most common factor resulting in physical assaults with 70 of the 165 being described as alcohol-related followed by 44 which were related to mental health issues.

David Partlow, consultant paramedic for the trust, said: “We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of physical or verbal abuse towards our staff, and all reports of violence and aggression are taken very seriously.

“We work closely with the police to seek prosecutions where possible.

“Every member of the trust staff plays a vital role in serving the community by helping to deliver the right care in the right place at the right time.”

and staff should be able to fulfil their life-saving role without fear of abuse or assault.”

A survey carried out by GMB union of more than 500 ambulance staff across the UK found that 21 per cent had been forced to take sick leave due to violent assaults, while 37 per cent had considered leaving their job due to the threat of violence.

The type of injuries paramedics have received range from cuts, bruising and sprains through to more serious injuries including dislocations and fractures.

One incident saw a paramedic and Karen Lott, emergency care assistant subjected to a prolonged serious assault while attempting to treat a person who was under the influence of drugs.

The 16-week prison sentence last year is the only time a custody sentence has been given out for abuse of ambulance staff in the last two years - despite 294 physical assaults being reported. The largest fine handed out by courts for an assault was £440.

Paul Gage, GMB South West NHS regional organiser said: “What kind of message does it send to our overstretched and overworked ambulance staff that whether you’re kicked, beaten or assaulted in any way there is a 99.7 per cent chance that the attacker will not see adequate justice?”

Last year, South Western Ambulance Service Trust joined with the region’s other emergency services to launch a campaign aimed at tackling abuse of staff.