THE number of paramedics in the south west experiencing violence and aggression is increasing, a study shows.

South Western Ambulance Service’s figures show, last year, assaults on staff increased to 130 incidents last year from 121 in 2013.

The organisation is adamant that anyone found to be disrespectful to ambulance staff their employees will be prosecuted.

South Western The ambulance service said: “We take a zero tolerance approach to any form of abuse on its staff.

“All reports of violence and aggression towards crews are taken seriously.

“Where there is sufficient evidence, the South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust places a warning marker on the relevant address and sends a letter to the patient advising them of the consequences should there be further reports of violence or aggression.

“Every member of staff plays a vital role in serving the community by helping to deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“Staff should be able to fulfil their life-saving role without fear of abuse or assault.

“They are trained in conflict resolution to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to keep themselves as safe as possible and they are encouraged to report all incidents as soon as possible via the appropriate channels.”

Unison represents paramedics and they claims members are treating abuse as an expected part of their job.

Chris Hewitt, a rep for the union who works as a paramedic, said: “Any violence is unacceptable.

“The 130 attacks recorded are probably the more extreme versions of violence and aggression.

“Because it becomes an everyday occurrence, some members of the ambulance service are beginning to feel the violence and aggression is almost part of the job and something that they should be expecting.

“Clearly this is absolutely wrong.”

Chris says he expects there will be more incidents of staff being abused which aren’t being reported.

The ambulance service’s team responds to 850,000 calls a year in Wiltshire, the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Greater Bristol areas.