Female paramedic suffers multiple injuries in hospital assault

Assault occurs during transfer

Police stated the attack happened at approximately 17:45 GMT on Saturday. The incident took place after Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff received a call to transport a male patient to the hospital. Upon arrival, the patient punched a paramedic in the face while being moved from a stretcher to a chair. This blow knocked the woman down and removed her glasses from her face. Another paramedic attempted to intervene but could not get into a proper position to help the victim.

Suspect identified by police

The assailant then turned his attention back to the first paramedic who lay helpless on the floor. He started a sustained attack on her while she could not defend herself effectively. Officials with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service stated that the victim sustained wounds on the back of her head, neck, face, and hands. They also believe she has suffered a concussion from the force of the initial blow. A suspect has now been identified by police following this violent incident inside the hospital grounds.

Leaders express outrage

Jenny Keane, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, described herself as horrified and outraged by the event. She noted that the assault was particularly disturbing because it involved an adult male attacking a female colleague. Keane expressed concern about the psychological and emotional impact this may have on the victim and others involved. Sinéad McLaughlin, a Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member who knows the paramedic personally, expressed absolute horror at the vicious attack.