Two ER24 paramedics were forced to duck for cover and flee behind their ambulance on Thursday of last week when a patient – with a knife stuck in his stomach – turned on them and began firing solid ammunition rounds at them with a paintball gun. A Daily News report quotes ER24 as saying that their paramedics were lucky to have escaped unscathed. However, their vehicle was damaged by several round of ammunition fired in their direction.
Police and further resources arrived on the scene and the man later calmed down. However, he refused to be treated and only be transported to hospital. Another ER24 ambulance transported the man under police guard to a nearby hospital.
ER24 said case will be opened at the Umbilo Police Station. Police officers on the scene seized the paintball marker and other objects.
[link url="https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/pics-glenwood-man-with-knife-wound-shoots-paramedics-with-paintball-gun-41763276"]Full Daily News report[/link]
See also
[link url="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/body-cameras-paramedics-protect-violent-attacks/"]Body cameras for paramedics to protect against violent attacks[/link]
[link url="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/attacks-paramedics-baffle-union/"]Attacks on paramedics increasing in KZN, WC, Gauteng and FS[/link]
[link url="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/least-90-attacks-paramedics-two-led-arrests/"]At least 90 attacks on paramedics. Two led to arrests[/link]
[link url="https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/paramedics-demand-protection-violent-attacks/"]Paramedics demand protection against violent attacks[/link]