Cornwall's ambulance service records 15 incidents of violence and aggression over weekend
The South Western team is currently experiencing extremely high demand
Cornwall's ambulance service has revealed it recorded 15 incidents of violence and aggression towards staff over the weekend.
The South Western team posted on social media to say it included verbal abuse, physical assaults and colleagues having knives thrown at them.
Speaking ahead of the Euro 2020 final, the service was urging football fans to show them dignity and respect.
They said: "We want our colleagues to come home at the end of their shifts. Protecting the public, without abuse and aggression.
"Unfortunately this weekend we have already recorded 15 incidents of violence and aggression towards our hard working colleagues. This includes verbal abuse, physical assaults and colleagues having knives thrown at them.
"Whilst we all want everyone to enjoy their weekend and the sports, behaviour like this is unacceptable and quite frankly disgusting.
"This weekend #helpushelpyou if you need us. And treat us with dignity and respect."
It comes as SWAST is experiencing incredibly high demand, after experiencing its busiest ever week on record.
In the seven days up until last Sunday (4th July) they responded to a total of 22,041 incidents.
It is warning the public it must prioritise critically ill patients.
The Trust has experienced a significant increase in demand following the easing of lockdown restrictions.
It has dealt with more than 20,000 incidents per week since the start of May, compared to around 18,500 incidents per week in early April.
SWASFT is reminding people only to call the emergency number if someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk.
It is also asking them not to call back for an estimated arrival time to ensure others can get through to its 999 Control Room.
"Our service is currently experiencing very high demand, which means we must prioritise critically ill patients.
"We are asking the public only to call 999 in a genuine medical emergency when somebody is seriously injured or ill and their life is at risk, and for other medical concerns we encourage patients to contact NHS 111 for advice and support.
"Please do not call us back to ask for an estimated arrival time, and only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or you no longer need our help."
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) spokesperson