Patient punches ambulance officer

FILE

A Rotorua ambulance officer was assaulted in the street after helping to treat a distressed patient.

The incident happened on Thursday around 5.30pm at the corner of Amohia and Haupapa streets.

St John territorial manager Hilary MorrishAllen said the officer had treated the woman when she was suddenly assaulted. She received multiple hits to her head which resulted in a black eye, swollen cheek and concussion.

"The crew was responding to a 111 call to a patient who was unwell and very distressed," she said.

"The officer was treating her, she had calmed her down. She then threw a punch at the officer, hitting her in the face, and then she jumped in the ambulance. Luckily there were two City Safe Guardians there and they got the woman out."

Rotorua police are investigating the incident and have made an arrest.

Mrs MorrishAllen said St John takes very seriously the safety of its officers and has procedures in place to ensure their security and wellbeing. The ambulance officer was assessed and treated at hospital, and has now been discharged and is resting at home.

"St John will continue to support their officer. It is disappointing that some members of the public think they have the right to assault emergency service workers who are trying to help them or their loved ones. While we all understand emotions can run high at emergency incidents, assaults against St John and any other emergency service workers are unacceptable at any time and in any situation."