Shot Senior Constable Luke Warburton told wife ‘I’m so lucky to be alive’ after Nepean Hospital attack
THE wife of Senior Constable Luke Warburton, shot by a crazed ice addict while trying to save a female doctor, says he’s a wonderful husband and policeman who’s just thankful to be alive.
NSW
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THE wife of Senior Constable Luke Warburton, shot by a crazed ice addict while trying to save a female doctor, says he’s a wonderful husband and policeman who’s just thankful to be alive.
Sandra Warburton was speaking outside Penrith Police station this morning, just a few minute’s drive from where the father of three was seriously injured last Tuesday.
“He’s a wonderful husband, father and a brilliant police officer.”
In a shaking but strong voice, Ms Warburton said the first thing her husband told her was how thankful he was to have survived.
“He was very, very happy to be alive,” she said.
On the night he was shot, the 39-year-old arrived at Nepean Hospital about 10.40pm to find Westmead nurse Michael De Guzman holding a pair of scissors to the throat of a young doctor.
After De Guzman refused to surrender, a scuffle ensued and Cnst Warburton was shot in the thigh, the bullet passing through his femoral artery and into the calf of a security guard.
Had Cnst Warburton not been in a hospital to receive emergency surgery and three blood transfusions it is likely he would have died.
With that knowledge, Ms Warburton stepped up to the microphone today and praised her husband’s courage and sacrifice.
“While I knew every time Luke left for work he could be injured while helping somebody else, I never really thought it could happen,” she said.
“There was so much rushing through my head, so many emotions. The first few days were extremely difficult.”
“The past week has been surreal.”
Those darks times were made bearable thanks to the support and generosity of the community, hospital staff and her husband’s colleagues who have barely left his side.
“They probably would never leave if they weren’t being kicked out so Luke could rest,” Ms Warburton said.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the offers of well-wishes and assistance.”
“It’s a truly wonderful family,” she said.
Ms Warburton revealed her husband even received a special visit from his partner, police dog Chuck.
“I know he misses the dogs and is really looking forward to playing with them again”
While Cnst Warburton is on a long road to recovery and will remain in hospital for some time, Ms Warburton said her husband would be back to work as soon as possible.
“He can’t wait to be back to work,” she said.
Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes has been an outspoken advocate for changes as hospital staff continue to cope with alcohol and ice-affected patients.
“Unfortunately we see another incident in a NSW hospital that has lead to serious injuries to police and security officers,” he said the morning after Cnst Warburton was shot.
“Doctors and nurses have been put at risk.”
“We see now with ice and alcohol-related violence, emergency departments are becoming more like battlegrounds than areas of care.”
“It’s a crazy situation,” he said.
Following the calls, the New South Wales Government announced an audit of hospital security after meeting with health unions to discuss the introduction of specialised support.
The union, which represents 32,000 workers and 1,000 security staff has met with the NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner
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