Ambulance employees ‘fear being attacked’ over Christmas interval: ‘A gruelling, relentless struggle’ | EUROtoday

Two out of three ambulance employees concern being attacked whereas on obligation over the Christmas interval, a brand new report has revealed.

A survey by the GMB union, encompassing greater than 1,100 employees from ambulance trusts throughout the UK, confirmed that over 40 per cent concern being bodily attacked, and greater than half are apprehensive about verbal abuse.

Three in 4 respondents additionally reported a detrimental influence on their psychological well being over the previous yr.

The GMB publicised its findings on the final Friday earlier than Christmas, believing it to be the most well-liked night time for office Christmas events and one of many busiest nights of the yr for ambulance and hospital employees.

Simon Day, a West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic, mentioned: “This Friday night will be wild.

“People out celebrating, drinking, dancing, but unfortunately it’s a night when normally sensible people do very silly things.

“Ultimately it will be left to us to pick up the pieces – it will be a gruelling, relentless struggle for ambulance workers right across the UK.

“Morale is already at a low ebb due to rocketing workloads and staffing issues – it’s no wonder so many of us feel like we’re about to burn out.

“Our message is have fun, celebrate, but please think of us ambulance workers before you do anything stupid.”