Working as a front line Paramedic is a stressful and at times dangerous job - but it shouldn't have to be. Below are cases of assault on Paramedics performing their duty as reported by our members:

1. 17/04/2010 – Hunter Area
   
   At approximately 8:00pm the night shift crew were called to assist another Paramedic crew by transporting a second patient from the scene of their current case. En route to the case the vehicle already on scene was heard calling on the radio for urgent police attendance as there was growing aggression on scene. The Ambulance Control Centre acknowledged this transmission.
   
   The back-up Paramedic crew arrived on scene to find a female aggressor with her hands around a female paramedics throat and her colleague attempting to separate the two. The assisting crew successfully separated the two females and the aggressor was placed into a room for a short time before again attacking a second Paramedic. The aggressor struck the Male Paramedic several times before he restrained her until police arrived.
   
   The female aggressor was showing signs of alcohol intoxication and was charged with 3 counts of assault. NSW Ambulance management have been supportive of the paramedics involved in this case.
   
   

2. 30/04/09 - Outer Western Sydney
   
   Called to a query Cardiac Arrest.On arrival 1 female patient lying on ground in an office building, query unconscious.
   
   Male kneeling at patients head began shouting about not paying for the ambulance, preventing assessment of patient. Male became verbally abusive then physically assaulted one Officer, grabbing him around the neck. Both Officers then involved in a tussle with the male in an attempt to restrain him. Another male also directed verbal abuse towards both Officers.
   
   A Code 1 (Officers in duress) was passed to Co-Ord. In this instance it was fortunate that the Officer who was grabbed round the neck did not have the single portable radio and the other Officer was able obtain assistance.
   
   Officers were then assisted by an undercover Police Officer to restrain the male. When Police finally gained entry the male continued to struggle and headbutted a Police Officer. He was eventually subdued and arrested.
   
   The security staff at the premises did not intervene. Instead they decided to lock all the electronic doors which then cut off the Officers escape route and also prevented the Police from entering the building for a short time on their arrival.
   
   Luckily neither Officer was severely injured in the incident, Ambulance Service of NSW Management have been supportive to the Officers involved.