Why the death of NSW paramedic Steven Tougher brings tears to my eyes

All the hairs on my arms and down my spine stood on end after the fatal attack on the off-duty paramedic in Campbelltown. What a terrible act of violence, writes Diana Jenkins.

Every time I see a pair of off-duty paramedics grabbing a quick coffee break at the beach near my home, I want to say something to them. Is it any wonder that they come to the water, two by two like a pair of exhausted animals, squinting and staggering off the Ark and into the light of the breaking morning?

They sit like children, happily dangling their legs off the ocean wall, caffeine in hand, and they stare out across the beach and breaking waves to the calm and steady line of the horizon.

It’s so soothing – I know that well enough myself.

Sometimes I pause unseen and watch the paramedics for just a moment, wondering just what this most recent shift in the ambo delivered, what small and large miracles of lives saved and injuries attended to, but also what desperation, violence, depravity and loss.

They’re usually young. Beautiful young men and women, sitting close by each other with a bond that goes beyond words.

NSW Ambulance officer Steve Tougher and his wife Madison Tougher. Picture: Supplied

They smile and chat, still wearing their distinctive paramedics uniform, sleeves rolled up, the ambulance parked up behind them like a weary horse outside a western saloon.

And I always, always feel like stopping and saying to them, “I can’t imagine what you see, and I don’t know how you do the job you do – but thank you so much for everything” – because I know that they see the absolute spectrum of humanity.

Flowers left at Campbelltown McDonalds today for paramedic Steven Tougher, who was randomly attacked and died. Picture: Tim Hunter.

I know they are routinely spat upon, abused and assaulted because of the ugly scourge of drugs and the terrible effects of alcohol abuse and mental illness – and this is while they are working to save somebody’s life.

This is what they endure trying to help people in their moment of greatest need. Incredible. Who would sign up for that? Well, I reckon it takes a pretty special blend of decency, capability and courage.

Campbelltown McDonalds where NSW paramedic Steven Tougher was randomly attacked. Picture: Tim Hunter.

So all the hairs on my arms and down my spine stood on end yesterday reading about the fatal attack on the off-duty paramedic in Sydney’s western suburb of Campbelltown. Steven Tougher was a 29-year-old dad who had only recently moved back to his community in order to serve them.

It brings tears to my eyes just typing those words – how awful. How absolutely awful. What a terrible act of violence against both this young man and his family, but also against the paramedic community and the extraordinary frontline job they do for god only knows what little reward.

I am always too shy and loath to interrupt the short reprieve of those paramedics who find themselves seeking the solace of the sea after their shift. But I think next time I will have to muster the courage to stop and say thank you, and maybe offer to buy them another couple of well-earned coffees. Vale, to the valiant.

Donations to Steve Tougher’s GoFundme page can be done online.