![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
Violence, aggression and abuse directed at UK ambulance service staff is on course to hit a record high in the 2024-25 financial year, new figures show.
According to the data from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), for the first time ever, more than 20,000 incidents are expected across the 14 UK ambulance services in FY24-25 once the busy winter months have been taken into account.
The AACE says it is likely that over 5,000 incidents will be reported in December 2024, January and February 2025 alone.
As a result, AACE is highlighting the profound impact of this abuse on the everyday lives of ambulance staff while encouraging the small minority of people who might commit these offences to have greater respect for the people who are trying to help them when they are most in need.
“It is with huge regret that we see the level of violence, aggression and abuse across all UK ambulance services increasing and that frontline clinical employees as well as call handlers are affected.
“This unacceptable behaviour has a major long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of ambulance people who are simply trying to do their jobs and help save lives. This is why we are making a plea to the public to ensure that our staff are treated with the respect they deserve, especially during the busy festive period. We are also asking the judiciary to use their full powers under the Assaults on Emergency Workers Offences Act 2018 legislation to ensure appropriate sentences are handed out consistently to those found guilty of committing these crimes against our workforce.”
Jason Killens, AACE Chair and Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust.
As a result of the escalation in violence and abusive incidents, NHS ambulance services have prioritised the safety of their people and are undertaking several initiatives alongside the #WorkWithoutFear campaign to try and effect behavioural change among those who might carry out these assaults or become abusive, while providing employees with as much support as possible to reduce the incidence of assaults.
To read similar articles, check out our Frontline channel
