A paramedic was stabbed while trying to assist on a scene on Saturday night. Image: ER24

The latest attack on an ER24 medic has sparked public outrage. The medic was stabbed on Saturday evening whilst trying to assist on a scene.

Shortly after 6 o’ clock Saturday evening paramedics from ER24 came across a motor vehicle collision on Ohrtmann Road in Pietermaritzburg. The crew was on its way to a nearby hospital to hand over patients from an accident scene they had just attended. According to the paramedics they pulled over to assess this second incident.

A crazed attack followed
Moments later four occupants from one of the vehicles involved in the collision verbally attacked and then stabbed one of the paramedics.

According to ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing the paramedic sustained wounds to his face and hands.
When police arrived on the scene the knifeman proceeded to verbally assault the police officers and attempted once again to assault the medical crew. It is understood that the knifeman also assaulted the driver of the other vehicle that was involved in the collision.

Public reaction was simple: Judy van Niekerk voiced a common belief: “These savages were probably on drugs but there simply is NO excuse!!!”

Audrey Bennet said, “But to see how they were attacked and abused by the same ones they stopped for, what about the safety of the other patients? I understand that they were required to stop, but at the risk of their own lives, it’s just not worth it.”

Thandukwazi Brian Dubazane said, “People are attacking help. Wow, such wonderful world we live in.”

Four people were detained by the police on the scene and taken to Mountain Rise Police Station. A case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, common assault, reckless and negligent driving, malicious damage to property as well as resisting arrest was opened.