A paramedic who endured physical assault, verbal harassment, and threats of sexual violence during a festive emergency response is now spearheading a campaign advocating for respect towards emergency personnel.

Emily Jackson, 31, was assaulted in a pub by an inebriated patient who had mixed alcohol with drugs and subsequently fell ill.

This campaign arises as 53% of ambulance crews reported experiencing physical attacks while on duty over the past year, with 44% indicating incidents of sexual harassment.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) described the abusive behavior as alarming and emphasized that they are the first ambulance service in the nation to establish a dedicated unit that assists staff in reporting incidents and collaborating with law enforcement to take action against offenders.

According to the service, alcohol and drugs contribute to approximately 40% of violent incidents involving paramedics.

Emily recounted that her encounter occurred during this festive season, a time when individuals often engage in drinking and celebration.

Upon arriving at the pub, she found the patient unconscious on the floor.

“He was having difficulty breathing, and I was concerned he might stop breathing and face cardiac arrest,” she explained.

“Just as we were preparing to conduct an ECG, he came to. Initially, he seemed friendly, but then he abruptly changed.”

“He appeared ready to confront everyone in the pub and made sexually charged remarks toward me. He began throwing punches, and I was struck in the face.”

The assailant exited the pub, only to return moments later.

“It felt like a scene from a horror movie – I was paralyzed. He threatened to sexually assault me and claimed he would dispose of my body in an alley.”

“His words terrified me even more than the physical blows; it sent chills down my spine.”

Emily expressed her desire to continue working, but she experienced a breakdown a few days afterward.

“This wasn’t my first encounter with workplace violence, nor will it be my last. It is mentally taxing,” she stated.

Her attacker later received an eight-month prison sentence for assaulting and threatening an emergency worker.

Jason Killens, the Chief Executive of LAS, remarked, “No one should have to endure this on the job.”

“Beyond the pain and damage inflicted on our staff, such incidents can hinder our ability to assist patients in need.”

He highlighted that employees who face violence often suffer significant trauma, with some requiring extended time off or even opting to leave the profession entirely.

All ambulances are now equipped with CCTV and audio monitoring, and all teams have the option to use body-worn cameras.

Following her experience, Emily is now involved in a project aimed at protecting call handlers from abuse.

“We’re simply asking for respect – whether it’s over the phone, on the roadside, or in the communities we serve,” Mr. Killens added.