East of England Ambulance Service Launches Initiative to Protect Staff Amid Rising Attacks

The East of England Ambulance Service Trust (EEAST) has initiated a new campaign aimed at safeguarding its staff from violence and aggression, following a reported increase in such incidents. In 2023, the trust documented 1,455 attacks on its personnel, marking an 18% rise compared to 2022. These incidents included 362 physical assaults, 522 verbal attacks, and 571 instances of non-physical abuse, which encompassed aggressive gestures and intimidating behavior directed at staff members. The trust stated that the core focus of this new initiative is to equip staff with strategies to protect themselves from physical, verbal, or emotional harm, and to outline the support mechanisms available from the trust should they experience abuse. Resources provided to staff as part of the campaign include case studies, video materials, guidance packs, and interactive online question and answer sessions. A significant aspect of the campaign emphasizes the utility of body-worn cameras. These devices, which must be activated by the ambulance worker, are capable of recording footage that can be used in subsequent prosecutions. Following a pilot phase in 2022, these cameras are now being progressively deployed across EEAST, with all staff encouraged to wear them for their personal protection. Alistair Livingstone, EEAST’s health, safety and security specialist, commented on the situation, stating there were “too many incidents where our colleagues are attacked, either physically or verbally.” He further described the situation as “completely unacceptable.” Neill Moloney, EEAST chief executive, remarked: “We recognise our people work in dynamic, often unpredictable environments and we cannot eliminate the risk of violence and aggression entirely.” He added, “What we can do with the campaign is to give our people the knowledge, skills and equipment to help safeguard themselves in these situations. This reinforces our commitment to our people’s wellbeing at work.” The trust also indicated its intention to review its procedures for managing and responding to internal reports of violence and aggression, with the aim that “our colleagues can see what action is being taken.”