Lanarkshire recorded the third highest number of assaults on ambulance staff in the country – with 189 attacks in the last five years.
Emergency service personnel have been spat at, kicked and suffered verbal assaults while on duty.
They are among more than 1,500 attacks on ambulance staff across the country – an increase of 44 per cent since 2020.
The figures were obtained by legal firm Legal Expert through a series of freedom of information requests.
Between 2020 and 2024, 1,527 staff suffered abuse while carrying out their duties.
As many as 189 of those incidents were in Lanarkshire – the third highest figure in the country after Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which had 417 logged incidents since 2020, and Lothian which saw 298 attacks.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Our staff are having to deal with incidents nearly every single day which is completely unacceptable. They have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse.
“We also strongly condemn the abuse our hardworking call handlers face on a daily basis.
“We understand calling 999 can be a stressful time during emergencies, but abusing our staff will not be tolerated and we will continue to work with Police Scotland to take action against those who do assault or abuse our hardworking staff.”
In 2024 there were 43 attacks, some of which were classed as “common law intent”’ which includes ambulance staff being spat at, punched and kicked while on duty.
Cases of “menace” were logged the previous year – examples of which include threatening staff with a knife/bottle or other instrument within six feet.
Legal Expert solicitor, Patrick Mallon, said: “These figures are extremely concerning. Nobody should have to feel threatened at work – especially hard-working, vital NHS staff.
“Something must be done to tackle abuse towards NHS staff who, for the majority, are just trying to do their jobs,” says Legal Expert solicitor, Patrick Mallon.
Legal Expert offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by physical or verbal assault.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.
For more information, visit www.legalexpert.co.uk/accident-at-work-claims/assault-at-work-compensation/
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