Ambulance driver tells of 'terrifying ordeal'

An ambulance driver caught in traffic yesterday in Strabane town has described how his vehicle was attacked by a group of Republic of Ireland football supporters celebrating the team's win over Saudi Arabia.

Station Officer Sammy Nicholl, who was in the vehicle when it was attacked, said: “People were standing around after the match and the traffic was at a standstill because of the crowds. It was almost like a carnival atmosphere. But then a group of youths started to encircle the vehicle and climb all over it. There was nowhere for me to go. It was a terrifying ordeal. The vehicle is now damaged and the roof has to be repaired with money that should ideally be going towards patient care.”

Tom Harrington, Unison Branch Secretary for the Ambulance Service said: “It astounds me that celebrating your country’s win involves simultaneously launching an attack on our crew.

“This appalling attack highlights there are far too many attacks on our staff.

“I don’t think people realise that attacks like these mean we are short staffed and our ambulance vehicles have to be taken off the roads to be repaired. This in turn weakens our position and undermines our chance to respond to emergency calls.”

West Tyrone MLA Derek Hussey said he was appalled by the incident which took place after the Irish team won through into the last 16 of the World Cup: “I cannot understand the mentality of those who cause damage to an ambulance. It defies logic. Do they not stop to think that ultimately they could well be depriving someone of the right to life?

“If the ambulance has to be withdrawn from service for repairs, it will place a further burden on the already hard pressed Ambulance Service.

“Thankfully the driver was unhurt but this attack must have been a dreadful ordeal which no member of the emergency services should have to endure. It is scandalous that we live in an environment where attacks on ambulance drivers, firefighters and bus drivers are commonplace.”

(AMcE)