Paramedic ‘punched and bitten’ by patient in ambulance

A paramedic has been attacked by a patient in the back of an ambulance in Co Antrim.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said a call was received about the man in need of treatment in the Ballybogey Road area at around 3.30am on Sunday.

“The patient had sustained a head injury and the crew treated him before he lashed out in the back of the ambulance pulling equipment and dressings from their storage points,” John McPoland of the ambulance service said.

“In attempting to restrain the patient, a paramedic received a punch to the head and was bitten on the arm.

“The patient was eventually subdued and taken to Causeway Hospital for treatment.”

The ambulance worker was also assessed at the Emergency Department and then stood down for the remainder of the shift, which the NIAS said left the Ballycastle area dependent upon neighbouring stations to provide cover.