Anger as 999 cover is compromised after patient assaults paramedics

THREE paramedics were injured by a man high on drugs after responding to an emergency call in Newtownards on Saturday night.

As a result of the attack just one 999 crew was left to cover the north Down area, with the injured staff having to be treated at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

It is the second weekend in a row in which ambulance staff have sustained injuries after responding to callouts.

In Saturday’s incident the crew were transporting the patient to the Ulster Hospital.

He assaulted a paramedic in the rear of the ambulance, causing back and shoulder injuries.

On arrival at the hospital another paramedic came to assist colleagues, with two more crew members being injured after the patient kicked out.

He was eventually restrained by six people, including PSNI officers and South Eastern Trust security staff, before being taken to A&E.

Ambulance Service chief executive Michael Bloomfield (right) expressed concern about the damaging effect the attacks were having.

“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 Saturday night’s incident.”

Mr Bloomfield said that while their injuries were not serious, he was concerned about the long-term emotional impact such incidents were having on staff.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“Once again, I would also reiterate our view that those who commit such attacks should face the full rigour of the law, including custodial sentences.”

The Ambulance Service revealed earlier this year that there are more than 400 assaults on staff annually — an average of more than one a day.

Two ambulance staff came under attack in Bangor when they responded to a 999 call on November 30.

The crew also endured verbal abuse from a hostile crowd who criticised them for stepping back from the injured man after he lashed out at them.