Brutal attack by patient leaves paramedic seriously injured
A Shepparton man has been arrested over a brutal attack on a paramedic that left her with a dislocated shoulder before she and her colleague were forced to seek safety in their ambulance to escape his violent rage.
VIC News
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A man has been arrested after a paramedic had her shoulder dislocated during a violent patient assault in the state’s northeast.
An emergency call-out was made in Shepparton early Thursday for a male suffering shortness of breath.
Two paramedics were treating the man when he became aggressive and attacked the female paramedic.
Both emergency workers were forced to abandon their medical equipment and retreat into their ambulance as they awaited police.
The violence continued with the man following them to the ambulance and threatening them with further violence.
A Victoria Police spokesman said police had to force their way into a Middleton St address following the paramedic assault at 4am.
“A 47-year-old Shepparton man was arrested. He has been taken to hospital and police are investigating,” the spokesman said.
Victorian Ambulance Union General Secretary Danny Hill described the assault as “disturbing”.
“This was a disgusting and brutal assault against two paramedics who were simply doing their job and trying to care for their patient,” he said.
“No one deserves to be assaulted while doing their job. Assaulting a paramedic who is trying to help you is a truly low act”.
Ambulance Victoria’s Executive Director of Clinical Operations Mick Stephenson said paramedics had a right to feel safe at work.
“Violence against any frontline healthcare worker is unacceptable and we are working closely with VicPol on this serious matter,” he said.
“Our paramedics treat some of the state’s sickest patients and have the right to feel safe when they come to work, not to become patients themselves.
“We ask the community to stand united with us to call out inappropriate, aggressive and violent behaviour against frontline healthcare workers, who do an exceptional job and deserve the utmost respect. “
The patient was sedated and taken to Shepparton Hospital under police guard.
The injured paramedic is currently recovering in hospital.
She suffered a partially dislocated shoulder and is in severe pain.
The Herald Sun is yet to learn of any charges laid by police.
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