Home / Health / Ambulance Staff Face Rising Violence Amid Mental Health Crisis
Ambulance Staff Face Rising Violence Amid Mental Health Crisis
1 Aug
Summary
- Mental health calls to 999 have increased by 90% in three years.
- Staff face violence and aggression, with incidents every 20-25 minutes.
- Illicit drug use and alcohol fuel assaults on ambulance workers.
London Ambulance Service is experiencing a dramatic surge in mental health-related 999 calls, with a 90% increase in the last three years.
This rise translates to approximately 60,000 additional calls in the past 24 months. These patients are often complex and high-risk, posing significant management challenges for ambulance crews. To address this, specialist mental-health paramedics are being trained to better handle the evolving demand.
Across the UK, ambulance staff are confronting record levels of violence and aggression. Incidents of assault and abuse have risen by nearly 15% in the last year, with an incident occurring every 20 to 25 minutes. These attacks, including physical assaults and sexual assaults, are frequently linked to alcohol, drug use, and a perceived decline in respect for public sector workers.
Official figures from London Ambulance Service show a 35% increase in assaults over two years, with 2,921 cases in 2025-26. Analysis indicates that males under 35, often under the influence of alcohol or drugs, are more likely to perpetrate these assaults. Measures such as body-worn cameras are being implemented to protect staff.
