Patient Injures Three Paramedics In Newtownards Attack

Three paramedics have been injured by a male patient while responding to a 999 call in the Newtownards area, resulting in the emergency cover for the North Down area being reduced.

The patient assaulted a paramedic who was administering treatment in the back of an ambulance on Saturday evening, 08 December, causing back and shoulder injuries.

Once the crew arrived at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald, another unit came to assist and two more crew members were injured after the patient kicked out.

The man, who is suspected to have been under the influence of drugs, was eventually restrained by six people including PSNI officers and South Eastern Trust security staff.

It is the second weekend in a row that ambulance staff have sustained injuries when responding to emergency calls.

The level of cover in North Down was compromised as a result, reducing the three crews to just one serving the area.

NIAS Chief Executive, Michael Bloomfield, condemned the attacks and said he is appalled that staff had been subjected to attacks for the second consecutive weekend.

"I am appalled that, for the second consecutive weekend, Ambulance Service staff have been subjected to an attack in the north Down area leaving them unable to continue with their duties which are so much relied upon by the community," he said.

"The men and women of the Ambulance Service leave their homes and families to go and serve the most vulnerable in our community when they most need it. These patients include those who may have suffered cardiac arrest or been involved in serious road traffic collisions and who have families who need our skills and support.

"We cannot provide our service if staff are taken off shift as a result of injuries sustained from assaults, and once again ambulance services in this area were considerably reduced last night as a result of this attack.

"My immediate concern is for those staff who were the victims of last night's incident. While their injuries are not serious, I am concerned about the long-term emotional impact. 

"While we will do all we can, as an organisation, to support them in their recovery, the solution to this lies within society as a whole. These attacks are totally unacceptable and, while thankful for their support to date, I would appeal to parents, guardians, community leaders and others with influence to redouble their efforts in helping us protect our staff through engaging others on this issue."

Mr Bloomfield concluded that anyone who commits such an attack should face the "full rigour of the law", and added that he believes this should include custodial sentences, if necessary.



(JG/CM)