On 5 February 2026, a paper presented by the SECAmb Shadow Board to the Trust Board warned that paramedics in Sittingbourne, Kent, are facing regular physical and verbal abuse. The paper, titled “Violence and Aggression Against Staff,” draws on lived experience and internal incident data to argue that current safety measures are insufficient for crews operating in high‑risk areas and calls for better protection for frontline workers.
The staff‑led Shadow Board focused on crews operating from the Sittingbourne Ambulance Community Response Post on St Michael’s Road. It noted that violence and sexual offences were the most common crime category in Sittingbourne in 2025, with 2,006 offences — a rate of about 34 per 1,000 residents.
The report recommends reviewing the Trust’s “red‑flagging” process for dangerous addresses, increasing double‑crewed responses, and enhancing police escort arrangements for the ME10 and ME11 postcode areas. It also says body‑worn cameras are used by staff but are primarily reactive and do not prevent initial threats.
SECAmb has an established Violence Prevention and Reduction Procedure that encourages staff to report incidents so those responsible can be held accountable. Trust leadership, including the chief executive, is reviewing the Shadow Board’s recommendations to improve safety for local emergency crews.
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