South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) has said this week that it is concerned about a continued rise in assaults against its people.
Staff experienced 50 incidents of violence and aggression from patients and other members of the public between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, including 16 physical assaults.
That represents an 85% increase in overall incidents and double the number of assaults during the nine-day period, compared to the previous year.
On Christmas Day a crew responded to a patient holding a kitchen knife. Then his car collided with their ambulance as he tried to leave the scene. Another crew responding to an incident were threatened with a baseball bat by a motorist. A female paramedic was also assaulted while attending an incident.
THE fire service that responds to 999 calls all over Wiltshire received a positive inspection report which highlighted how it adapted to the pandemic. Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services had a virtual inspection of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service over 12 days in October and has now published its findings. It highlights how staff have volunteered to support their communities through ambulance driving and face-fit testing for personal protective equipment, as well as continuing to educate and prevent fires as well as dealing with the largest wildfire in living memory at Wareham Forest. Inspectors commented on the creative ways the service continued to provide education to children and young people during 2020.
Gloucestershire Police are reminding people to only call 999 when it is right to do so. A tweet from the force s account this morning stated: Please only call 999 in an emergency, or if a crime is happening right now. For all other police matters use our website or call 101. Please only call 999 in an emergency, or if a crime is happening right now. For all other police matter use our website or call 101. #EveryCrimeMatters#EveryContactCountspic.twitter.com/96giwt5m30 Glos Police (@Glos Police) January 21, 2021 The reminder comes at a time when the emergency services are particularly stretched. Last week it was revealed that more than 80 Avon and Somerset Police officers are ill with Covid-19, while the South Western Ambulance Service has appealed to the region’s police forces for additional blue light emergency drivers.
Five-vehicle M5 crash results in casualties and M4 tailbacks - as it happened
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police says there were casualties
A section of the M5 was closed after there was a serious crash involving five vehicles.
The crash happened on the southbound carriageway between junction 15, near the
Almondsbury Interchange, and junction 14, near Thornbury and Falfield.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed five vehicles were involved on the Southbound carriageway incident and there were casualties, although they added it’s not believed anyone is seriously hurt .
All emergency services attended the scene, including South Western Ambulance Service and Avon Fire and Rescue.
Gloucestershire Police are reminding people to only call 999 when it is right to do so. A tweet from the force s account this morning stated: Please only call 999 in an emergency, or if a crime is happening right now. For all other police matters use our website or call 101. Please only call 999 in an emergency, or if a crime is happening right now. For all other police matter use our website or call 101. #EveryCrimeMatters#EveryContactCountspic.twitter.com/96giwt5m30 Glos Police (@Glos Police) January 21, 2021 The reminder comes at a time when the emergency services are particularly stretched. Last week it was revealed that more than 80 Avon and Somerset Police officers are ill with Covid-19, while the South Western Ambulance Service has appealed to the region’s police forces for additional blue light emergency drivers.