NEARLY all attacks on ambulance staff in the South West do not result in prison sentences, an investigation has revealed.

Just one custodial sentence was given following 294 reported physical assaults between 2016/17 and 2017/18, according to the union GMB which obtained the figures from South Western Ambulance Service.

In all cases, fines did not exceed £440 and compensation to ambulance staff did not exceed £150. One worker was awarded just £50 compensation after their assailant pleaded guilty to assault by beating (battery).

The union revealed the shocking figures ahead of a crunch vote by MPs on tougher sentences for attacks on emergency workers this week.

Some of the violent attacks ambulance staff have experienced include being bitten, stabbed, and having blood spat at them by intravenous drug users. Some have nearly been hit with cars, while others have faced racist and sexual abuse.

The union’s survey of over 500 ambulance staff across the UK found that 21 per cent had been forced to take sick leave due to violent assaults, while 37 per cent had considered leaving their job due to the threat of violence.

And almost half (48%) said the support offered by their employer was ‘inadequate’.

GMB is supporting new legislation that faces its final House of Commons vote on Friday. The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill would introduce a new offence of common assault against an emergency worker and require courts to treat attacks on emergency workers as an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes.

Paul Gage, GMB South West NHS regional organiser said: “What kind of message does it send to our overstretched and overworked ambulance staff that whether you’re kicked, beaten or assaulted in any way there is a 99.7 per cent chance that the attacker will not see adequate justice?”