AMBULANCE crews are regularly facing physical assaults and verbal abuse while doing their jobs.

Figures reveal paramedics and other front-line staff at South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) were the victims of an average of 12 incidents a week in one year.

The revelation comes as calls continue for tougher sentencing for those who assault ambulance, police and other emergency service workers.

A Ten Minute Rule Bill on the subject, currently put before the House of Commons, is being backed by Lewes MP Maria Caulfield.

She said: “Having worked within the NHS for more than 20 years, I am well aware of the pressures often being faced by frontline staff across our emergency services.”

Paramedics are continuing to work under extreme pressure as they battle to deal with a high demand from patients.

The figures from Secamb show there were 197 physical assaults reported by staff last year and 145 cases of verbal abuse.

There were also 124 cases where staff experienced antisocial behaviour and aggression which caused them distress or discomfort.

Eighty-nine paramedics reported incidents in which they felt they were about to be physically attacked.

A trust spokesman said a lot of work was being done to protect staff and help them deal with incidents.

He said: “Just one assault against our staff is one too many. Ambulance crews must never be made to feel that violence, or the threat of violence, is just a part of their job.

“The huge majority of patients and members of the public know this kind of behaviour is deplorable and would never think of hurting someone who saves lives and serves the community.

“Sadly, there is a very small number of individuals who seem to think this is acceptable and we will continue to work closely with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to take action or pursue civil sanctions.”