Ambulance workers serving Oxfordshire suffered nearly 1,000 violent attacks in the line of duty over the last five years, a GMB investigation has revealed. 

Attacks, which saw workers from South Central Ambulance Services bitten, head-butted, spat at and struck with weapons, took place 993 times from 2017/18 to 2021/22.

There were 197 violent attacks last year up from 182 the year before.

Last year SCAS workers were bitten seven times, kicked 28 times, punched 47 times, spat at 13 times and head-butted twice.

There was one incident where a weapon was involved.

Mark Ainsworth, Director of Operations at South Central Ambulance Service, which covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and most of Hampshire, said: “Any act of violence against emergency workers is both alarming and upsetting.

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"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.

"Staff safety and wellbeing are our top priorities and we work with our affected colleagues to ensure that they feel well supported through incidents of violence.

"We report incidents against our staff members to our local police forces where appropriate and help with their investigations as necessary."

The GMB union which represents ambulance workers said its investigation has revealed workers from South Central Ambulance Service together with South East Coast workers reported attacks more than 1,025 times in the past five years.

Almost 100 of these were sexual assaults. 

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “Ambulance workers across the South East go to work every day to save lives.  

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“Despite this, thousands of them are bitten, attacked, spat at and even sexually assaulted. 

"No one should have to put up with that, least of all those who are there to protect us. 

“GMB members helped change the law but more needs to be done. 

“We demand full enforcement of the Protect the Protectors legislation, investment in better systems to flag offenders, and much better support for the victims of violence.”