Ambulance reps are calling for action to protect front line staff from trauma-related stress and physical attacks at work.

The calls come following an investigation by the Evening Times which revealed the extent of violence waged against frontline ambulance staff.

Glasgow’s mercy crews have been kicked, punched, spat on and even held hostage in the line of duty, with almost 500 staff reporting physical and verbal assaults since 2011.

Read more: Tales of horror on the frontline of Glasgow's ambulance service

Unite, which represents many of Glasgow’s paramedics, have called for better support to help staff cope with post-traumatic stress, saying there could be an "unexploded bomb" of stress-related cases waiting to happen.

They would also like to see better training on how to diffuse and deal with violent situations.

Some staff who spoke to the Evening Times said they have received aggression training just twice in 20 years, while others said they last had it six years ago.

Jamie McNamee, lead steward for Unite the Union’s Scottish Ambulance Service staff said the workload leaves little time for rest to cope with stress.

He explained: “We are often the default care provider for everyone – social work, local authorities and in the absence of out-of-hours GPs.

“It impacts on the day-to-day activities of our paramedics and technicians.

“They get little opportunity for respite.If you’ve got people who are continually exposed to horrific circumstances, have been busy for 8-10 hours and haven’t had any rest that could be the breaking point for you.”

Jamie said he is aware of several members of staff who have left the service due to stress and is concerned about those still working who are unable to get the help they need.

He said: “I’m convinced there is an unexploded bomb of post-traumatic stress cases waiting to happen.

“We need continual support and evaluation for staff, appropriate and readily accessible services – 24/7 support and counselling.

Read more: Tales of horror on the frontline of Glasgow's ambulance service

“The day to day counselling services, whilst they are available, are usually during office hours so you need to ask for time off the road to go.

A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said staff are contacted by managers during their shifts to make sure they are okay, and they are able to self-refer to Occupational Health services if they need extra support.

He confirmed that if staff feel their safety could be at risk on a job they can wait until police backup arrives.

He said: "The health and welfare of all ambulance staff is a priority. They undertake an emotionally and physically demanding job which involves helping people in some very challenging situations.

"Staff who have been involved in difficult incidents are contacted by a manager during their shift to discuss their welfare needs and ensure appropriate support is provided.

"We continue to work closely with trade union partners and staff to develop strategies to prevent stress and promote health and wellbeing and use a range of measures, including employee counselling, fast track physiotherapy and support services. Ambulance staff can also self refer to Occupational Health and other support services, which provides quick access to the most appropriate help for anyone who needs it. These arrangements are monitored and reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that staff are provided with the best possible support.

Read more: Tales of horror on the frontline of Glasgow's ambulance service

"All ambulance crews are given training in management of aggression and how to undertake a full risk assessment on arrival at scene to establish if there is any potential danger. If any crews feel that their safety may be compromised, they are instructed to hold nearby the scene and await support from the police, or additional ambulance crews.

"As a further protective measure, individual addresses where there have been previous incidents of violence or threatening behaviour towards staff are flagged in control rooms. This means that if a 999 call comes in from a flagged address dispatchers can identify that staff may be at risk and request additional support, if required."