Paramedic Attacked: Brutal Assault at Altnagelvin Hospital

A shocking assault on a female paramedic occurred at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry last Saturday evening, around 17:45 GMT. The incident took place while the paramedic was assisting a male patient who was being transported to the hospital.

The patient reportedly punched the paramedic in the face as she was helping transfer him, causing her to fall and lose her glasses. When another colleague attempted to intervene, the assailant also targeted her before resuming the sustained attack on the first paramedic as she lay helpless. The paramedic sustained significant injuries to her head, neck, face, and hands, and is believed to have suffered a concussion.

Officials from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) expressed deep concern and outrage over the incident. Jenny Keane, chief executive of NIAS, highlighted the disturbing nature of the attack, particularly given the perpetrator was an adult male and the victim a female paramedic. Keane emphasized that healthcare staff must be able to perform their duties without the fear of assault.

Local representatives have condemned the vicious attack, calling for a strong message to be sent that such violence will not be tolerated. The focus is now on ensuring the safety and well-being of frontline workers who provide essential care to the community, with concerns raised about the psychological impact on those involved.