Paramedic's anger at being hit by a drunk (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Paramedic's anger at being hit by a drunk

A NORTH Cotswold paramedic has spoken out about violence against ambulance crews after being hit in the face by a drunk.

Bernard Cartlidge, station officer at Moreton ambulance station, is fed up with members of the public thinking ambulance personnel are easy targets.

His decision to speak out comes after he was attacked after being called out at 11pm on a Saturday, 11 days ago.

"Basically we had been called to an assault in Gloucester Road, Cheltenham, and when we arrived they were dispersing.

"I enquired whether anybody needed an ambulance as one of them was covered in blood. As I approached them to offer my services the guy lashed out and hit me in the mouth.

"He cut my lip. I went back to the vehicle and radioed control to tell them what was happening and the police came," said Bernard, who has been in the ambulance service for 27 years.

"I've never been struck before. That came as a surprise," he added.

He said the problem of violence had increased in recent years.

"It's undoubtedly getting worse. People seem to have lost their respect for us," said Bernard.

"I wanted people to know what was going on and felt I had a responsibility to my colleagues as well.

"I want to raise public awareness. Whether we are going to be able to change a whole way of thinking I very much doubt," he said.

"We come to put plasters on knees. We don't come to judge or cart people off. The thing that really upset me at the time was that nobody around said anything. It would appear we are fair game."

He said the problem was not just confined to the bigger towns such as Cheltenham.

"Even in our small towns and villages, alcohol and young men and ladies are not a good combination."

Bernard admitted that the attack did make him think about packing in his job, but decided against it.

"My initial thoughts were 'What am I doing? I could be drawing my pension.'

But there are so many positive aspects to the job. It really is the best job possible for job satisfaction," he said.

Gloucestershire Ambulance Service Locality Manager, Lisa Malpass said: "Violence, both verbal and physical, is on the increase and this is completely unacceptable. Our crews are vulnerable and rely on the support of the public.

"The Trust has a zero tolerance policy against all types of abuse, threatening behaviour and assault against its staff. It is a criminal offence and the police will be called. The Trust will always support the prosecution of the offender."

Bernard's attacker, who ran off, was a man aged about 20, wearing a check shirt and with facial injuries bad enough to need medical treatment.