08-09-10 Jail for thug who attacked 999 crew
A PARAMEDIC who was assaulted by a thug as he was treating a patient has welcomed the jail sentence given to his attacker.
Ric Devlin, who has worked for the ambulance service for eight years, was attacked as the ambulance pulled up at Blackpool Victoria.
He says he hopes the three-month jail sentence handed out to Gareth Lloyd will act as a message to others who are aggressive or violent towards 999 lifesavers.
The 31-year-old technician, who lives in Lytham, said: “I am pleased this action was taken as it shows people they cannot attack someone who is just doing their job and trying to help people.
“It meant the ambulance had to be taken off the road for the rest of that night and that meant we were a vehicle down.
“This could mean we could be delayed getting to an emergency and put other people at risk.
“I was scared in that situation, he was really aggressive – it took three of us to restrain him. If the security guards from the hospital had not been there, I would have been seriously hurt.
“I haven’t been able to work since because of the injury to my right thumb and am waiting to see a specialist.”
Lloyd, from, Annan in Dumfrieshire, Scotland, was jailed for 82 days for the attack, which happened on May 29.
The 24-year-old had screamed at Mr Devlin after banging on the vehicle’s rear door and telling him not to touch his wife.
After being asked to leave, Lloyd jumped on Mr Devlin and booted a life-saving defibulator to the floor, damaging the equipment.
In the ensuing melee, two security staff leapt on Lloyd before the police arrived and arrested him, later charging him with assault and criminal damage.
Mr Devlin’s crew mate was on her first night shift when the incident happened.
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said it was delighted with the length of the sentence.
Derek Cartwright, director of emergency service, said: “It is disgusting and totally unacceptable violence is directed towards ambulance staff and equipment. Ric was simply trying to do his job and offer help to a patient.
“The trust takes a zero tolerance approach to abusive behaviour, whether physical or verbal, and fully supports staff who become victims of assault and encourages them to report it to the police to ensure appropriate action is taken.”
The Gazette launched its Respect campaign in 2005 after a worrying catalogue of attacks on emergency service personnel.
It was praised by then Prime Minister Tony Blair for highlighting the dangers faced by 999 crews.
By Emma Harris
See how we train staff how to legally & medically protect themselves: Physical Intervention
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