Paramedics have spoken out about the abuse they face while working on the frontline, as UNISON – the union representing paramedics and NHS staff – urge the public to show respect to those who will be working to keep the country safe and well throughout the festive period.
Jenny Young, a paramedic with South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), said: “Having been at the brunt of a physical attack and suffering injury, the long term effects can be devastating.
“Five minutes of physical or verbal attack can last years. It is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
“Christmas is a time away from family and friends for us, so that we can look keep others safe.”
In the year to March 2025, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), recorded 1,529 incidents of violence, aggression, and abuse towards members of staff, an increase from 1,491 in the year before and more than double the number of incidents recorded by the service in 2019.
Declan-Lee O’Leary, a fellow paramedic with South East Coast, said: “Christmas is a time of celebration, but it can also be stressful, with increased demand and longer waits for services.
“That frustration can be directed at our call handlers and frontline crews, which is never acceptable.
“Abuse and disrespect make an already challenging job even harder. We ask the public to use the right service for their needs — such as GP services or NHS 111 — keeping 999 for life-threatening emergencies.”
UNISON South East regional secretary Maggi Ferncombe, said: “Public service workers in the South East will be working tirelessly this Christmas to ensure our communities are safe, cared for, and supported.
“They deserve our respect, not only during the Christmas holidays but every day of the year.
“The level of abuse workers face is completely unacceptable. Nobody should have to endure harassment or violence while doing their jobs.”
