By Rachel Engel
EMS1
COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A paramedic was allegedly attacked by her patient in the back of the ambulance while en route to a hospital, WSBTV reported.
According to police, the patient struck the Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service (MAAS) paramedic multiple times and shoved her head into a cabinet located in the back of the ambulance more than once, before grabbing her wrists.
The patient was reportedly arrested and charged with a felony. The paramedic is “doing well,” according to Dennis Westover, director of MAAS.
Kimberly Littleton, executive director of the Georgia EMS Association, is concerned with the rise of violence against providers.
“We’re obviously very concerned about the safety of all of our providers across the state,” Littleton said. “There are a lot of EMS services, not only private, but also county and fire-based operations that are putting more cameras in ambulances to monitor those situations.”
Westover said MAAS providers are trained on how to handle violent encounters, but sometimes, it’s not enough.
“Unfortunately when anyone gets hurt in public safety, it’s one too many,” he said.