Fresh action to tackle violence against ambulance staff is already leading to improvements.
South East Coast Ambulance Service’s (SECAmb) Shadow Board, set up to provide staff insight and constructive challenge to the Trust Board, carried out a deep dive into violence and aggression experienced by colleagues.
A report presented at SECAmb’s Trust Board meeting on August 6 outlined actions taken after recommendations made in February.
Jaqui Lindridge, chief paramedic officer, said: "I'm confident that the work of the Shadow Board is helping us make real progress in improving the safety of our teams."
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Measures include closer partnership working with police and mental health services, improved integration between teams, better access to body-worn cameras and increased training.
Colin Dennis, SECAmb group chair, said: "I welcome the focus Shadow Board colleagues have brought to improving the safety of our teams and the link they provide the board to all staff.
"It’s clear their fresh look at this important issue, alongside constructive challenge of current arrangements, has led to improvements in how we tackle violence and aggression."
Incidents of violence and aggression at SECAmb more than doubled from 752 in 2019 to 1,529 in 2024, before falling slightly to 1,421 in 2025.
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