Paramedic to undergo surgery after being attacked
Posted Jan 15, 2017 9:46 am.
Last Updated Jan 15, 2017 9:47 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
One of the paramedics hurt when a call turned violent in Calgary’s southwest this past week will have surgery on Monday.
Three EMS workers were injured when they tried to help a man in Stanley Park, just after 8 a.m. Thursday.
The patient became combative just after the crew arrived and they sought safety in the ambulance until police could get there.
Now AHS says one of the paramedics suffered major injuries to his hand and will have to undergo an operation.
Adam Loria with Alberta Health Services says EMS workers frequently find themselves in dangerous or violent situations and have protocols to deal with it.
“We do go through a course when we’re hired. It’s called non-violent crisis intervention, more of attempting to talk down a patient and get out of the situation safely, using your words,” he said.
He says they also have protective vests and are in constant communication with each other and police.
The other two paramedics suffered soft tissue damage in the incident but are expected to be okay.
Loria says mental health can often be affected in situations like this.
All three workers remain off duty and counselling services are being made available.
