A paramedic based in the Scottish Borders has been describing his ordeal when he was punched repeatedly by a drunk patient while he and his colleague were taking the man to hospital. The Scottish Ambulance Service says the increase in attacks on staff is completely unacceptable.

In the year to the end of November 2025, 369 Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff were physically assaulted or verbally abused, an increase of 11% compared to the year before.

192 SAS staff were physically assaulted while 177 were verbally abused. Of these incidents, 155 were in the west of Scotland, 146 in the east and 56 in the north.

The SAS says every day a staff member is assaulted or abused – including staff being spat on, kicked, punched and threatened with weapons.

Chirnside-based paramedic, Drew Dodd spoke of an incident while attending a call in Edinburgh, saying:

“We were dispatched to an intoxicated male who had fallen and sustained a head injury. Initially, he was pleasant and cooperative. We advised him due to the head injury and level of intoxication he should attend hospital.

“Enroute, the patient suddenly stood up while the vehicle was moving.

“I asked him to sit back down for safety. His demeanour changed rapidly, so I took my radio and initiated an urgent call, anticipating police assistance might be required.

“As soon as I pressed the button, he punched me in the face, knocking the radio across the vehicle. He then struck me a second time, causing me to fall to the floor. He proceeded to hit me a further three times.”

Drew said for his own safety he had to restrain the man whilst his colleague activated the panic alarm and until police arrived.

SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson condemned attacks on staff:

“The fact that our staff face daily violence, verbal abuse or aggression is completely unacceptable.

“These incidents can have a significant and lasting impact on our people, sometimes even leading them to leave the ambulance service.

“They have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse and we will continue to work with Police Scotland, like we have done on this occasion, to take action against perpetrators.”

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