Paramedic attacked as he treats patient
THUG KICKED EMERGENCY WORKER IN HEAD DURING ‘VILE’ ASSAULT:
AMBULANCE bosses have condemned the thug who carried out a savage and unprovoked attack on a paramedic in Manchester city centre.
Cyclist paramedic Ian Shortman was knelt down treating a patient when the attacker ‘ran up unexpectedly and kicked him in the head,’ the North West Ambulance Service said in a statement.
He required hospital treatment including numerous brain scans due to dizziness and headaches, but fortunately is now recovering at home.
NWAS said the alleged attacker was caught nearby by three doorman and the patient Mr Shortman was attending to taken to hospital.
Greater Manchester Police responded and an arrest was made.
Mr Shortman described the assault as ‘terrifying,’ but thanked the Good Samaritans who intervened to help.
“In 20 years’ service for NWAS and the people of Manchester, this is the most terrifying assault I’ve ever been subjected to,” he said.
“At the point of being kicked I was completely vulnerable and disoriented, if it hadn’t been for intervention of the good people out there, I dread to think about the outcome.
“However I refuse to allow one person to ruin a great career serving the people of Manchester, including the homeless, at this time of year when we are needed most.”
Bosses at NWAS slammed the ‘abhorrent behaviour’ of the attacker that meant the city centre lost a valuable resource on one of the busiest weekends of the year for the emergency services.
Head of Service, Pat McFadden said: “I am absolutely appalled at this abhorrent behaviour.
“Our staff who work so hard to care for other people when they are most in need should never be subject to such a vile and vicious attack but sadly it does happen all too often.”