Ambulance workers 'assaulted' in Northumberland on Christmas Day while trying to help patient

A paramedic, who wishes to remain anonymous, suffered arm and rib injuries during the alleged incident. Credit: North East Ambulance Service

A paramedic suffered arm and rib injuries when she was assaulted by a patient on Christmas Day.

The responder, who wishes to remain anonymous, stopped out of concern for a person who was sat alone in the middle of the Moor Farm roundabout on the A19 in Northumberland.

Initially they did not engage, but during the exchange, she reports that the person later turned and assaulted her.

She pressed her panic button to alert a second ambulance crew who were also coincidentally passing the scene. They stopped to help but a second crew member was then physically assaulted.

The North East Ambulance Service have said it took three staff members to restrain the man before police arrived.

The responder, who has worked for the ambulance service for 20 years, said she was worried the alleged incident could have had a different outcome if other crews were not nearby.

The alleged incident occurred in the middle of the Moor Farm roundabout on the A19 in Northumberland. Credit: Google Maps

“I have two small children at home who were waiting for me to return home to celebrate Christmas," she said. "I’ve struggled with small things like brushing my hair, cutting up my dinner and most importantly, giving my kids cuddles – and that’s just the physical impact I need to recover from.

“Had there not been anyone close by to help I think it could have been a very different story. It’s just not acceptable – we were just trying to help.”

Operations manager at North East Ambulance Service Claire Jobling added, “We are shocked and disappointed that members of our team delivering care in our communities be hurt on Christmas Day.

"Our staff come to work at Christmas to keep helping people who need them. They leave their own celebrations and families at a special time of year and it’s inconceivable that they come across any sort of harm in the line of duty.”

Northumbria Police have arrested a man on suspicion of assault. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

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