Altnagelvin Hospital: Female paramedic sustains multiple injuries in assault

Jenny Keane, chief executive of the NIAS, said she was “horrified and outraged” to hear of the assault.

“This incident is particularly disturbing given that it was perpetrated by an adult male on a female paramedic, while her other female colleagues did what they could to help.

“This was a sustained assault on a paramedic who has a career of over 37 years, caring for her local community.

“Although her physical injuries, of which there are many, may heal over the coming days and weeks, I would be concerned at the psychological and emotional impact this may have on her and others involved.”

Keane said NIAS staff “must be free to go anywhere without the fear of being assaulted, quite simply for delivering care and compassion to someone they have been called to assist”.

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) Foyle assembly member Sinéad McLaughlin, who knows the paramedic personally, said she was “absolutely appalled by this vicious attack on a woman”.

She said she found the incident and the extent of the paramedic’s injuries “deeply upsetting”.

“We cannot allow attacks on healthcare workers to become something that is simply accepted as part of the job.

“We need to send a clear message that this will not be tolerated, and the safety of our frontline workers must be a priority.”

Sinn Féin assembly member Philip McGuigan said there must be “zero tolerance” of attacks or abuse against health and social care workers.

“Reports of this attack are deeply disturbing.

“Health service workers go above and beyond to save lives and keep people safe, often working in very challenging circumstances,” he added.

“They, and all workers, should never have to face abuse, attack, intimidation or threats in the workplace.”