Eight assaults on emergency staff every day
EIGHT assaults every day were committed against Welsh emergency workers during the first six months of this year, new figures have revealed.
More than 1,360 assaults were committed in the six-month period from January 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021.
They included kicking, slapping, headbutting and verbal abuse, and ranged from common assault to serious premediated attacks involving grievous bodily harm. At least 21 incidents involved a weapon.
With Christmas fast approaching – the time of year when assaults traditionally spike – emergency workers are asking the public to treat them with respect.
Jason Killens, chief executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “We know it’s distressing when waiting for help but abusing our call handlers is not the answer – if anything it could potentially delay help.
“Crews might have no choice but to leave a scene if their safety is compromised. The debt of gratitude we owe to our emergency workers has never been greater so we’re asking the public to work with us, not against us, this Christmas.”
Almost half (47%) of assaults in the six-month period took place in south east Wales. Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, and Bridgend are among the most prolific areas.
Offenders aged 26 to 35 years old account for the highest portion of offending (24%) while a third of incidents involved people under the influence of alcohol.
May 2021 saw the highest volume of assaults (281) as the hospitality industry re-opened in Wales after the second Covid-19 lockdown.
Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 there have been at least 36 incidents where an emergency worker has been coughed at.
Assaults on police account for two-thirds (67%) of the total number, averaging 152 victims every month in the six-month period.
Claire Parmenter, temporary chief constable at Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Assaults on police officers continue to increase and this is completely unacceptable.
“Assault is a traumatic offence that causes great distress to anyone and it is no different when the victim is an emergency worker.”
Although fewer in number – 22 incidents over the six-month period – March 2021 saw an unexplained rise in assaults on fire service colleagues, especially in South Wales.
Chief fire officer Huw Jakeway QFSM from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Attacks on crews while protecting our communities and keeping people safe is completely unacceptable.”
Judith Paget, the new chief executive of NHS Wales, said: “We are doing everything we can to work with employers and our partners to eradicate assaults on staff.”
Last week the UK Government announced that it was introducing a new law that will mean a mandatory life sentence for those who kill an emergency worker in the course of their duty.