Paramedic seriously hurt in attack at Altnagelvin Hospital
The NIAS says the attacked paramedic suffered concussion and multiple injuries, while politicians call for zero tolerance of violence against health workers.
Key points
- Police report that a female paramedic was attacked inside Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.
- The assault occurred on Saturday evening, around a quarter to six GMT, and police have identified a suspect.
- The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service says her head, neck, face and hands were injured, and concussion is possible.
- The NIAS chief executive called the assault disturbing and said staff must be able to work without fear.
Police said a female paramedic was attacked at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry on Saturday evening. The assault took place around a quarter to six in the evening, GMT. Officers have singled out one individual as a suspect.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) reports that the paramedic was struck across the rear of her skull, her neck, her face and both hands. The service also believes she may have concussion, and it describes her injuries as numerous.
What happened inside the hospital
The NIAS had been asked to assist a male patient who was being brought to the hospital by ambulance after receiving initial treatment. The trouble began as he was moved from a stretcher onto a chair on arrival. According to the service, he swung a fist at one of the paramedics helping him. The strike pushed her to the floor and dislodged her spectacles.
A second paramedic attempted to step in but could not reach a safe position to assist, because the man also tried to hit her. The service says he then turned back to the first paramedic and continued his assault on her while she was on the ground, unable to defend herself. The attack went on for several minutes.
Response from the ambulance service
Jenny Keane, who leads the NIAS as chief executive, expressed deep shock and anger at the assault. She said it was especially troubling that a grown man had targeted a woman working as a paramedic while her female colleagues were trying to help.
Keane said the paramedic has worked in her home community for more than 37 years. Although the physical injuries may improve over the next days and weeks, she expressed concern about the lasting psychological and emotional effects on the paramedic and others present.
Keane added that ambulance staff need to be able to attend calls without worrying about violence, simply because they are giving care and support to someone who needs help.
Calls for stronger protection
Sinéad McLaughlin, an SDLP assembly member for Foyle, said she knows the paramedic personally. She described the attack as savage and said she found both the incident and the scale of the injuries upsetting. She warned against treating assaults on healthcare staff as an ordinary risk of the role, and urged leaders to put protecting front-line workers at the top of their agenda.
Philip McGuigan, a Sinn Féin assembly member, also responded. He said that people who work in health and social care should be met with a firm stance against abuse of any kind. He noted that these staff often work under great pressure and in difficult settings, and that no worker should have to live with threats or aggression at their workplace.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the paramedic assault happen?
The assault happened at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry, according to police. It took place while she was helping a male patient who required medical care.
What injuries did the paramedic suffer?
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said her head, neck, face and hands were injured. The service also says concussion is believed to be possible.
Has anyone been arrested?
Police said a suspect has been identified. The sources reviewed do not confirm an arrest.
Sources
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