EMERGENCY service workers have today highlighted the ‘unacceptable’ number of assaults they are subjected to while trying to save lives.

Frontline paramedics, police, fire and healthcare crews across the region have been verbally abused, spat at, bitten, and even sexually assaulted by the very people they try to help.

New figures show the number of violent assaults on crews has soared to record levels.

In 2016 paramedics from South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) were on the receiving end of more than 161 assaults – an increase of 20 per cent compared to five years ago.

Injuries include cuts, bruising and sprains to dislocations and fractures.

Out of the 140 reported incidents by crews, 50 have resulted in successful police cautions and prosecutions which range from suspended sentence, community service orders, restorative orders, fines and even imprisonment.

In Dorset there were 14 incidents where paramedics were injured and the majority involved drugs or alcohol.

In East Dorset the perpetrator of an assault was ordered to pay £150 in compensation for an incident which led to a paramedic having to take 32 days off work.

In several incidents crews did not want to press charges.

David Partlow, Consultant Paramedic for SWASFT, said: “We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of physical or verbal abuse towards our staff, and all reports of violence and aggression are taken very seriously. We work closely with the police to seek prosecutions where possible.

“Every member of the Trust staff plays a vital role in serving the community by helping to deliver the right care in the right place at the right time and staff should be able to fulfil their life-saving role without fear of abuse or assault.”

The ambulance service said it urged all incidents to be reported as soon as possible and has a robust reporting mechanism in place.

A spokesman for Dorset Police added: “Unfortunately, the nature of policing means that our officers and staff will, at times, encounter hostility, however, we do not tolerate any type of assault on our staff and any offenders are dealt with robustly.

“Officers and front line staff are also regularly trained in personal safety to enable them to deal with such situations.”