Ambulance workers ‘fear being attacked’ over Christmas period: ‘A gruelling, relentless struggle’

Two in three ambulance workers fear being attacked while on duty over the Christmas period, a new report has revealed.

A survey by the GMB union of more than 1,100 workers in ambulance trusts across the UK showed more than 40 per cent feared being physically attacked and more than half were worried about verbal abuse.

Three in four respondents reported that their mental health had also been negatively affected in the past year.

GMB announced its findings on the last Friday before Christmas, believing it to be the most popular night for workplace Christmas parties and one of the busiest nights of the year for ambulance and hospital workers.

West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic Simon Day said: “This Friday night is going to be crazy.

“People are out celebrating, drinking, dancing but unfortunately it’s a night where normally sensible people do some very stupid things.

“Ultimately it will be up to us to pick up the pieces – it will be a grueling, relentless struggle for ambulance workers across the UK.

“Morale is already low due to increased workloads and staffing issues, it’s no wonder many of us feel like we’re about to burn out.

“Our message is have fun, celebrate but please think about us ambulance workers before you do anything stupid.”