A male paramedic, while on duty and awaiting his coffee outside a café on Broadway in Reservoir around 11 a.m., was allegedly attacked from behind by a man who emerged from a small red car, according to police reports.
The paramedic sustained serious, though not life-threatening, stab wounds to his neck and face and was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.
“A courageous bystander came to the aid of our member,” stated Ambulance Victoria in an official release.
The paramedic managed to call for assistance via radio after realizing he had been stabbed.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene in the red vehicle but was apprehended at a residence on Winter Crescent shortly before 1 p.m.
The 32-year-old suspect is currently in police custody and is due to be interviewed by detectives.
“These events send a shockwave across the whole workforce,” Victorian Ambulance Union Secretary Danny Hill said.
“They all feel it and know it can happen to any of them at any time. Our members are there to help you, please treat them with respect”.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery said he was “absolutely disgusted at the continued pattern of violence” faced by paramedics and first responders in Victoria.
“What we continue to see year-on-year is an increase in violence toward paramedics and first responders,” Emery said.
“It happens all across our state… it is not just a problem of drugs and alcohol, it continues to happen; perpetrated by men, women, younger people, older people and it is unacceptable.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information about the whereabouts of the man or the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
