Nearly 300 Ambulance Staff Injured in Cornwall Since 2022

Nearly 300 ambulance workers in Cornwall have suffered injuries while on duty over the past three years, according to new figures obtained by Personal Injury Claims UK.

The data shows that staff at South Western Ambulance Service face a wide range of risks, from manual handling to violent assaults, often leading to both physical and psychological harm.

Injuries From Lifting and Moving Patients

Many of the injuries are linked to manual handling, such as lifting and moving patients. This type of work can lead to strains, sprains and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which affect movement and mobility.

A 2016 Health and Safety Executive report revealed an estimated 8.8 million working days were lost due to MSDs across the UK.

In 2022/23, 75 staff were injured in Cornwall — the lowest number recorded in the past three years. Last year, the number rose to 102.

Across the wider South Western Ambulance Service area, moving and handling was the leading cause of injury, accounting for 608 incidents. Slips, trips and falls caused a further 297 injuries.

📷Copyright: PersonalInjuryClaimsUK.org.uk

Violence and Abuse on the Rise

Ambulance staff are also facing record levels of violence and aggression. Figures from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives show more than 20,000 incidents of violence, aggression and abuse against staff across UK ambulance services in the 2024/25 financial year — the highest ever recorded.

This means at least 55 ambulance staff were abused or attacked every day, ranging from common assault to more serious attacks.

Speaking about these figures, UNISON national ambulance officer Sharan Bandesha said:

“No one should be attacked for simply doing their job. Ambulance workers who respond to emergencies, from heart attacks to car crashes, are trying to save lives.

“Rising pressure on the health service has created a toxic environment where violence and abuse are becoming far too common. This is unacceptable. Staff are being left traumatised, injured and even forced out of roles, which makes the workforce crisis worse.”

📷Copyright: PersonalInjuryClaimsUK.org.uk

Injury Claims and Compensation

The figures also show that between 2021 and 2024, 35 claims were lodged against South Western Ambulance Service as a result of workplace injuries. Of these, 17 were settled, with successful claimants receiving a total of £116,109.

The highest payout came in 2022/23, totalling £53,829.

Personal Injury Claims UK offers a 24-hour helpline and online claim form for those who have suffered workplace injuries and want to explore whether they could make a claim.

📷Copyright: PersonalInjuryClaimsUK.org.uk