Paramedic stabbed following attempted robbery

JOHANNESBURG – Following an attempted robbery on an ER24 paramedic on Wednesday , ER24 strongly condemns any violence against emergency workers.

The incident happened at their Northmead branch.

In a statement ER24 communications officer Russel Meiring said the paramedic was in his office when he noticed an unknown man walking inside the premises.

“He (the paramedic) went outside and started a conversation with the man to offer assistance. Following a brief conversation, the man asked for small change. He indicated that cash were not kept on the premises whereby the man presented a knife and demanded the paramedic to hand over his mobile phone. The paramedic refused to hand over his phone and the man started to attack him. A short struggle ensued while the paramedic was fighting for his life. When the paramedic struggled with the man and kicked him, he ran from the scene. “

Following the struggle, the paramedic found that he had sustained a stab wound above his eye as well as stab wound to his arm. A Life Healthcare paramedic arrived on the scene a few moments later to assist the injured paramedic. He was assessed and later transported to hospital for assessment and treatment. Fortunately, he escaped without serious injuries and received stitches to the wound above his eye and arm. He was later discharged to continue his recovery at home.”

A case of attempted robbery and assault will be opened at the Benoni SAPS.