DARWIN, Australia — A St John’s Ambulance paramedic who was knocked unconscious by a patient he was trying to help has been hospitalized in stable condition.
The 30-year-old medic responded to a call at a house party. As he was assessing the 19-year-old man, the patient allegedly punched him and he fell backward, hitting his head, ABC.net reports.
The paramedic was transported to a hospital, where he slipped in and out of consciousness during the night, and improved the next day. Paramedics have been offered counseling services.
“Anyone that is assaulted in this way in the course of duty causes great concern for others,” said Ross Coburn, chief executive of St John Ambulance NT. “Last evening we brought in peer support straight away for our people.”
The man was also transported to a hospital, found to have minor injuries, and released into police custody.
He was charged with one count of causing serious harm, and police are investigating the incident. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor.