The Welsh Ambulance Service said a growing number of patients have been aggressive and violent towards staff when asked to wear a face mask.
Ambulance crews in Wales are asking some patients - particularly those showing symptoms of Covid-19 - to wear a surgical face mask as a precautionary measure to limit the spread of the virus.
But the service has reported an increase in the number of patients who have become hostile and aggressive when asked to wear a mask. A small number of its colleagues have also been physically assaulted.
Ambulance staff are attending every call across Wales in protective gear - which includes masks, visors, aprons and coveralls and their standard gloves.
Claire Roche, the trust’s executive director of quality and nursing, said: “At this time, our crews will attend all incidents with personal protective equipment.
“What you may not be aware of is that they may also ask you, the patient, to put on a surgical mask.
“The reason they do this is to not only protect you but also for the protection of the people around you.
“If we do ask you to put on a mask, please do not be alarmed and follow the instructions of our staff.
“We understand how distressing this situation may be and we also understand that putting on a mask while having shortness of breath may seem counter-intuitive but it is the right thing to do.
“Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, our staff have reported a growing number of instances in which patients have been aggressive and have even been the subject of an assault after asking a patient to put on a mask.
“Assaulting our staff is never acceptable, no matter the circumstances.”
In a video message shared to the Trust’s Facebook and Twitter, Claire added: “We are here to help, never to harm.
“We ask all of you, the people of Wales, to please continue to trust our staff and to comply with the instructions we may give you.”
