Ayrshire's emergency services call for end to violence against staff after hundreds assaulted at work

Emergency services in Ayrshire have called for an end to violence against their staff.

Latest shock figures have prompted a new pledge after 450 assaults were recorded on emergency responders over the past year.

The stark data from Police Scotland has revealed violent attacks on officers, fire and ambulance crews, NHS workers and prison staff.

Forms of abuse include both physical and verbal as well as some workers being spat on whilst attending emergencies.

Now a joint-force, Ayrshire Assault Pledge, hopes to mark the "beginning of the end of assaults on emergency workers in Ayrshire".

The pledge will bring together the region's key emergency responders – Police Scotland, NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Scottish Ambulance Service, British Transport Police, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Serco (prison officers).

Ayrshire’s top cop has led the campaign to end abuse against staff.

Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain, divisional commander for Ayrshire, said: “Tackling the concerning trend of increasing assaults on officers and staff is a priority for Police Scotland.

"It causes physical and psychological harm to dedicated public servants and there is also a cost to the public purse through days lost to ill health or personal injury claims.”

Ian McMeekin has backed an end to violence on emergency responders (Submitted/Ayrshire Post)

"Officers and staff across Ayrshire work with dedication and a commitment to helping people and violence and abuse against them is not simply part of the job."

British Transport Police officers have also pledged an end to violence.

T/Chief Superintendent Gill Murray added: “Violence and aggression against any emergency service worker is not acceptable and that is why we are working together to make a stand against this."

NHS Ayrshire & Arran's stand-in chief executive says violence and abuse will not be tolerated in the region's hospitals.

Professor Hazel Borland said: “Our staff treat patients, and anyone else we come into contact with as part of our work activity, with dignity and respect and our staff have the right to expect that treatment in return.”

Professor Hazel Borland wants to see an end to abuse against NHS staff (Ayrshire Post)

John Burnham, head of service of Ayrshire and Arran for the Scottish Ambulance Service, has called out physical and verbal assaults on paramedics.

He said: “Our staff work incredibly hard, helping people in need and keeping them safe. They should not ever have to fear for their safety."

Ian McMeekin, local senior fire officer said: "It is important that they can carry out their duties as safely as possible. Being subject to physical attacks, verbal abuse or being spat on is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is delighted to stand alongside our local partners to support this pledge and raise an awareness of this concern”.

Prison officers at HMP Kilmarnock were victims of abusive behaviour (Kilmarnock Standard)

Ayrshire’s prison HMP Kilmarnock has vowed that “violence or aggression” towards their staff will not be tolerated.

Pamela Swan, HMP Kilmarnock deputy director said: “HMP Kilmarnock is committed to eradicating violence against our workforce.

“The wellbeing and safety of all our employees, partner agencies and prisoners is our priority to ensure a safe working environment”.

The pledge will help support emergency staff in reporting any form of abuse directed at them and ensures they will be offered the right support if they are affected.

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