Assault bill: incoming law aims to protect paramedics

The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill 2017–19 received Royal Assent on 13 September, after having successfully made its way through both Houses. Presented as a Private Member's Bill by Labour MP, Chris Bryant, to improve the protection of emergency workers, its receipt of ministerial support gave it the backing necessary to be cemented into law.

It has not been considered a specific offence to assault emergency workers or NHS staff, with paramedics having to rely on legislation that covers common assault against members of the public if they are attacked. This lack of distinction between a member of the public and an emergency worker highlighted a glaring lack of support for emergency workers and emphasises their vulnerability at work. Violent attacks against ambulance staff have been on the rise, increasing by 34% between 2012/13 and 2016/17 (GMB, 2018a). Over the last 5 years, there have been over 14 000 physical assaults on ambulance staff (GMB, 2018b). There has also been increased sexual assaults on ambulance staff, with almost 700 reported over the last 5 years (GMB, 2018a). This marks a 211% increase.