A man who allegedly broke the leg of a 57-year-old long-serving ambulance officer will face court next month.
Police say that at around 12pm yesterday a 34-year-old man attended Wollongong Hospital for treatment for a stomach complaint.
“Dues to the man’s demeanour towards triage staff, he was asked to leave the hospital by security,” NSW Police said in a statement.
A short time later, Police say the man went home to an address at Mangerton and requested an ambulance by calling ‘000’.
“The man was treated by ambulance paramedics and taken to Wollongong hospital, where medical treatment was commenced,” NSW Police said.
“The man became allegedly aggressive and abusive towards hospital staff, who were trying to treat him. He was then escorted from the hospital by four security officers.”
A short time later, Police say the man stood in front of the hospital driveway on Darling Street, blocking access to the hospital for two other ambulances.
“A male paramedic from the second ambulance officer spoke with the man and attempted to move him away from the driveway, to allow the ambulance into the hospital grounds, as they had a patient onboard in need of urgent medical attention,” NSW Police said.
“It will be alleged in Court the man refused to move or cooperate with the ambulance officers’ demands, and then grabbed hold of the ambulance officer and wrestled him to the ground.
“The man then threw the paramedic over his leg and fell on top of him.”
The paramedic, a 57-year-old man with 33 years experience as an Ambulance officer, suffered two fractures to his lower left leg and a dislocated kneecap in the alleged assault.
“Police from Wollongong Police District attended a short time later and found the man nearby at the intersection of Crown Street and Darling Street.”
The man was taken to Wollongong Police Station where he was charged with four offences, including reckless grievous bodily harm, obstruct or hinder ambulance officer by act of violence, obstruct or hinder ambulance officer providing service to other and offensive conduct.
The 34-year old man from Mangerton was given strict bail conditions and will appear before Wollongong Local Court on July 6.
