ASSAULTS on emergency workers in Hampshire are on the rise, according to new findings.

Latest Home Office crime figures show 266 assaults against emergency workers – excluding police – have been recorded between March 2022, up to the end of 2022.

The data shows that of these assaults, 147 took place in 2022, up 39 from the year before, with the remainder taking place from early 2020 onwards.

The offence applies to attacks on blue light workers: paramedics and firefighters, prison officers, NHS workers, and St John’s Ambulance volunteers.

Reacting to the news Paul Jefferies, Assistant Director of Operations at South Central Ambulance Service said: “Our staff and volunteers at South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) work tirelessly to support our local communities and should never be faced with violence and or aggression whether it be physical or emotional from people that they are trying to help.

“It is alarming the number of emergency workers who are subjected to aggression and violence from the general public.”

While, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Assistant Director, Rob Cole added: "Our job is to protect our communities and keep the public safe. 

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“Firefighters responding to 999 calls should not have to worry about dealing with aggressive members of the public and certainly should not be subjected to assaults as they carry out their life-saving work.”

In 2018, the Assaults on Emergency Workers Bill came into law – imposing a maximum prison sentence of one year for common assault on an emergency worker – a sentence that was doubled last year. Over the past few years 30% of these crimes in Hampshire resulted in a charge.

Andy Hyett, Chief Operating Officer at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “No one should experience violence, abuse or intimidation at work. We are committed to tackling this here at Hampshire Hospitals, including through joining forces with Hampshire Constabulary on Operation Cavell which strengthens the processes when an incident takes place to hold those involved accountable.”

In addition to that, a spokesperson for, The Professional Trades Union for Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers commented: “These figures are in no way a surprise to the POA.

“Due to overcrowding in prisons, poor pay, recruitment and retention problems, there are too few staff, which ultimately leads to prisoners not getting their entitlements required by law.

“These entitlements could be something simple as not getting their daily exercise to more serious problems such as prisoners not being released on time or being released in error. This then leads to frustration amongst prisoners that can then lead to violence against our members.”