(image: Craig Simpson) 
So picture the scene: You get a call to a female teenager who has dislocated her knee. In your mind, you are probably thinking that this call will be the sort of call where the patient is going to be thankful for your help, as she will be in so much pain. You may be thinking that its the sort of call where you come away from the patient, feeling satisfied that you have helped someone in obvious distress.
But within several minutes of turning up, you are having to call for Police assistance as your patient has decided that you ‘deserve’ a punch in the face. It is, quite frankly, disgusting. 19-year old Zoe Carruthers not only punched one paramedic in the face, but she also lashed out at the other crew member in attendance.
You might be trying to figure out, what the two female Medics did to Carruthers in order for her to ‘justify’ attacking the very people who were sent to help her. Well, apparently Carruthers took exception to the fact that her medical notes did not include an entry about the fact that Carruthers should not be given pain relieving gas….
When this individual was sentenced, she was given a 6 week ‘custodial’ sentence, suspended for six months, which basically means that she was given a warning not to be naughty again.
Which is fine, were it not for the fact that she had ALREADY been arrested previously for assaulting medical staff on a separate occasion.
For me, the solution is simple: withdraw the ability for people like Zoe Carruthers to use the 999 system. She clearly has no regard, or respect for the people who dedicate their lives to helping others. So why should she be able to access a ‘free’ emergency system, that she clearly has NO respect for?
Next time she dislocates her joints, let her sort it out by herself. Next time she needs the assistance of Medics, let her find some private Medics so she can fork out hundreds of pounds of her own money rather than WASTING the taxpayers.
It is about time, that a strong message was sent to the individuals who assault our emergency services. A message that will actually be a deterrent for anyone thinking of assaulting the brave men and women who sign up to but their lives on the line, to help complete strangers. WITHDRAW THEIR ABILITY TO USE THE 999 SYSTEM
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blaming it on ADHD and ADD isn’t an excuse for acting like a C*nt try that on my ambulance and i will giver the f*cktard something to cry about
I totally agree but how do you enforce such a thing
Maybe with their mobile numbers? Seems to be the best way of identifying who the caller is – Cop(ex)
criminal justice system letting the emergency service victims down again.
There should be some way of striking these vicious people off any entitlement to NHS services.