Attacks in Wales on workers up to almost 3,000

"I shouldn't have to work out my escape route when I walk into a property."

Paramedic Joanna Paskell was a victim of one of the near-3,000 attacks on emergency workers in Wales last year.

The patient who punched her got a 12-month community order, but it left the 45-year-old suffering with anxiety and meant she was off work for four months.

"It took four security guards to calm her down so she could be treated," said Mrs Paskell, who has worked with the ambulance service for more than 25 years.

She said at first she tried to laugh it off, but it was only when getting ready for her next shift, five days later, that she felt the emotional toll.

"All I want to do is make a difference - that's why I joined this job. We can't do that if we're working in fear of our own safety."

Last year there were 2,838 assaults against police officers, firefighters, ambulance staff, NHS workers and prison staff - a 4.9% rise.

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Source: BBC News, 30 May 2022