Paramedics and ambulance personnel are increasingly encountering violence in their line of work, with over 22,500 incidents reported in England and Wales last year. These incidents range from verbal abuse to physical assaults, including kicking, punching, and even sexual assault.
In the North East region, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) witnessed a significant 47% surge in reported violent encounters over the past year, averaging about 150 incidents monthly. Additionally, data from Teesside revealed that 94 emergency workers, excluding police officers, were assaulted within a year.
A seasoned ambulance worker shared that while most attacks are alcohol-related, the abuse extends to other emergency workers like nurses and doctors, particularly in A&E settings. Middlesbrough recorded a high number of assaults, with 66 attacks on paramedics and firefighters in a year.
Middlesbrough has the highest assault rate in England and Wales, with 44.5 assaults per 100,000 residents in 2025, attributed to facilities like James Cook University Hospital and Cleveland Police’s custody suite. Emergency service leaders condemned the attacks, emphasizing that staff should be protected while carrying out their duties.
To enhance safety, staff are equipped with body-worn cameras and vehicle CCTV for deterrence and evidential purposes. NEAS official Darren Green urged the public to treat emergency workers with respect and courtesy during interactions.
Recent Cleveland Police data highlighted a spike in offenses against police officers and staff in May 2024, but a slight decrease was noted in 2025, with 762 reported incidents throughout the year.
