Paramedics and police attacked

FOUR people have been charged after paramedics helping a distressed teenager were allegedly attacked by members of her family.

Police are pleading with the public to help stop assaults on emergency services staff after the two paramedics, and attending police officers, were involved in the attack on Thursday. About 6.30pm, paramedics were called to units in Ralston St, West End, responding to reports that a 15- year- old girl was having a mental breakdown. She was treated as an involuntary patient, which allows authorities to handle patients without consent.

As she was being taken away, family members and friends allegedly attacked.

A 45- year- old male paramedic was allegedly punched in the face and placed in a headlock and his 23- year- old female partner was punched in the back of her head.

District duty officer Senior Sergeant Scot Warrick said police were called. but when they arrived the group also allegedly attacked police.

“A female constable was struck in the face with a closed first,” he said.

Townsville Police Station officer- incharge acting Senior Sergeant Craig Robertson said a police car was close by and responded immediately.

“When they arrived, the ambulance officers were still being assaulted,” he said.

“The body- worn camera footage that I viewed showed they ( paramedics) had to assist police in restraining multiple people on the roadway until further police could get there to restrain them.”

It is believed the first responders did not sustain serious injuries.

Two men and two women aged 15 to 19 were arrested at the scene and charged with 13 offences, including serious assault on police, serious assault on paramedics, obstructing police and public nuisance offences.

Sen- Sgt Warrick said any attack on emergency services personnel was disgraceful. “Particularly so on the Queensland Ambulance Service, as they’ve been called to help people,” he said.