ABUSIVE calls to 999 call handlers are on the rise regionally.
Figures show South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWAFT) paramedics and call handlers dealt with 1,118 incidents of violence and aggression in 2018, up by 73 on 2017.
In one call to the control centre, a caller threatened to stab and set fire to the call handler's house. He was later taken to court and fined.
Ken Wenman, from the service, said it was "totally unacceptable".
"We will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that our staff are protected and those responsible for such attacks are prosecuted," he added.
SWAFT is working with other emergency services to highlight the rise as part of the ongoing 'Unacceptable' campaign against the abuse of frontline staff.
In September it was announced maximum prison terms for people found guilty of common assault against emergency workers were to double.
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