Ambulance boss blasts 'unacceptable' violence on paramedics after reported incident in Blackpool

A senior ambulance figure has hit out after a number of alleged assaults on staff

It comes amid a rise in assaults on ambulance staff in recent years – to more than one a day across the North West.

On Sunday morning in Blackpool, a patient in the back of an ambulance reportedly became violent, punching a student paramedic.

The ambulance also suffered “significant damage” and had to be taken off the road, an NWAS spokesman said.

Ged Blezard, director of operations at North West Ambulance Service, said: “Our crews are already working under very trying circumstances with all that is going on at the moment due to the pandemic.

“They should be able to go about their jobs of helping people without the fear of violence against them.

“Physical and verbal aggression against our staff is completely unacceptable.

“It can cause long lasting damage both physically and mentally.

“We will always support our staff and push for prosecutions.”

A man is due to appear at Preston Crown Court on December 9 in connection with last weekend’s incident

A spokesman for NWAS said violence against crews had risen over the last five years.

There were more than 460 physical assaults in the 12-month period up to May 2020.