Paramedics and ambulance staff are increasingly suffering sexual assaults from patients, shocking new figures have revealed.
The statistics released by South East Coast Ambulance Service, which covers Kent, have been branded “an utter disgrace” by the GMB Union.
They show that last year there were 29 recorded incidents of sexual assaults on staff – a rise of 107% since 2020.
The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request to Secamb by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA), which fights for compensation for victims.
Between 2020 and 2024, more than 95 Secamb staff were subjected to various forms of sexual assault while working.
The majority were perpetrated by patients or members of the public, with one incident by another member of staff.
In 2023/24, 11 of the reported incidents took place in the ambulance while eight happened when staff visited residences.
National Officer for GMB, the union for NHS Works, Rachel Harrison says: “It’s an utter disgrace our ambulance workers suffer these attacks as they try to save lives.
“This is a national problem and it is getting worse.”
The revelations come amid growing national concerns over violence and abuse against healthcare workers, with calls for stronger protections and zero-tolerance policies across all NHS services.
Nationally, more than 65,000 NHS staff reported sexual assaults and harassment for patients, their relatives and other members of the public in 2024 in the health service’s annual survey.
Ms Harrison added: “GMB members were instrumental in changing the law, to make attacks on ambulance workers an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing.
“But it’s not enough – we need a zero-tolerance approach from the police, trusts, government ministers and the public.”
South East Coast Ambulance Security Manager, Dave Monk says the increase in sexual assaults by the public on staff “will not be tolerated”.
“My colleagues come to work to help people and it is never acceptable that they face violence or aggression of any kind, “ he said.
“It is extremely concerning to see an increase in sexual assaults by the public on our staff and that this is reflected in total assaults or aggression of any kind.
“While it is a very small minority of individuals who commit these offences, their actions can have a huge impact on our colleagues’ wellbeing and careers, often lasting years.
“We will never tolerate behaviour of this kind towards our staff and we are committed to working with our police colleagues to secure convictions wherever possible and to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
