Understand
London Ambulance staff face sexual abuse and harassment almost daily
Overview
London Ambulance Service staff and call handlers report facing sexual abuse, threats, groping, and harassment almost every day while trying to help patients. Data from July 2025 to July 2026 recorded 462 incidents, with nearly two-thirds of women working on ambulances experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour. Officials have condemned the behaviour, emphasising that it disrupts emergency care and will not be tolerated.
Key points
- London Ambulance crews and call handlers report facing sexual abuse and harassment almost every day.
- Abuse includes sexual threats, groping, indecent exposure, explicit comments, and sexual violence.
- Staff reported 462 incidents between July 2025 and July 2026.
- Nearly two-thirds of women working on ambulances experienced unwanted sexual behaviour from patients, relatives, or the public in the 12 months prior.
- LAS leadership stated that the abuse disrupts emergency care and takes crews off the road, stressing that it is not part of the job.