Urgent Call for Respect as Abuse Towards North East Ambulance Workers Staff Reaches Alarming Levels
Emergency call handlers and ambulance workers at the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) are pleading for the public’s respect, as new figures reveal a sharp increase in abuse directed towards them.
Recent data shows that verbal and physical attacks on staff—both in call centres and ambulances—have surged, with reported incidents quadrupling in the past year.
Health advisors, who are the first point of contact for those calling 999 and 111, face an alarming level of verbal aggression. Over the last year, they handled more than 1.3 million calls, providing emergency medical advice, including CPR guidance in over 10,000 cases. However, they are frequently met with shouting, swearing, and racial abuse.
“I joined NEAS to help people in distress, but the racial slurs and aggressive language I’ve faced have been deeply upsetting,” shared one health advisor, who relocated from Pakistan to work with the service. “We understand that medical situations are stressful, but abusing the very people trying to help doesn’t benefit anyone.”
Chief Operating Officer Stephen Segasby confirmed that on average, 90 cases of violence and aggression are reported each month by NEAS staff, though the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting.
To support workers, NEAS has introduced additional training, conflict resolution strategies, and a range of mental health resources. Reports of abuse are taken seriously, with some cases being escalated to the police.
“The public must remember that these professionals are here to save lives. Their resilience is crucial in emergencies, and abuse only makes their job harder,” said Lynn Huldie, Head of Operations at the Emergency Operations Centre.
The Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE) warns that ambulance staff nationwide are facing unprecedented levels of violence, making immediate action to protect workers a priority.
