Transgender Paramedic Claims That Patients Refuse Her Help

A transgender paramedic has recently come out to claim that patients have refused her care simply because she is transgender.Steph Meech, the paramedic involved, works for the South East Coast Ambulance Service and has been a paramedic for 20 years. She only recently came out as transgender, however since doing so she has become a victim in numerous incidents of verbal and physical abuse from patients.

Steph Meech, who is from Polegate in East Sussex has said: "I've had times where I'm treating people and I get spat at, just for who I am.

"As I come to the door usually I get 'what are you?'. It's really not okay. I'm a paramedic first and foremost and I'm here to help.

"The majority of people we go to are so agreeable and appreciative of the help that the ambulance service brings. It's just that few minority that spoil it for everybody.

"When I come away from these incidents, they do really hurt you deep down."

Steph has said that since coming out she feels "enlightened".

"I can be my true self. This is who I am and I've had to keep it hidden for such a long time."

There have been 11,749 reports of abuse or attacks on ambulance staff in 2021. This is a 35% increase since 2020.