POLICE have arrested a man after a ‘sickening’ attack on an NHS paramedic which resulted in a suspected broken jaw.
Officers were called to Winifred Avenue, Coventry, just before 9pm on Sunday (April 5).
It’s understood paramedics had been sent to the address after a man suggested he was suffering breathing difficulties.
However, the 21-year-old lashed out as he demanded an inhaler and punched a paramedic in the face.
West Midlands Police said: “The offender drove off in a car, colliding with the ambulance as he sped away.
“He has been arrested (yesterday) on suspicion of wounding, driving off from the scene of a collision, plus criminal damage as it’s suspected he damaged a door at a GP’s surgery.”
Coventry Police Chief Superintendent Mike O’Hara said: “Attacks on any emergency services staff will never be tolerated but this is a particularly sickening incident right now given that NHS workers are on the frontline of our national efforts to tackle coronavirus.
“I think I speak for the whole of Coventry in wishing the paramedic well and we hope him a speedy recovery.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) Chief Executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “This was a horrendous assault on one of my staff.
“At a time when the NHS is under more pressure than at any time in its history, to lose an experience paramedic from a cowardly act like this, beggars belief.
“I am determined that we will work with police colleagues to bring anyone who attacks my staff to justice.”
Attacks on Blue Light staff can be prosecuted under the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act which comes with the potential for tougher sentences.
