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A London ambulance worker today described the moment she was shot twice after treating a patient.
Emergency medical technician Suzanne O'Rourke, 40, pictured left, had been responding to a call.
She was saved from serious injury because one shot was stopped by her stab-proof vest and the other grazed her shoulder.
Ambulance bosses voiced their anger at the attack and highlighted the dangers faced by their staff.
Mrs O'Rourke said she was attacked as she walked back to her fast-response car after treating a patient in King's Close, Leyton, at 3.30am on 23 August.
“I was on my own when I heard a bang and something hit me on my back. I must have turned around to see where it was coming from when something hit me on the shoulder as well. It hurt a lot.
“I knew I had been shot and ran to my car. The shots came from a block of flats but lots of the flats had their windows open so I couldn't tell where they came from.
“I don't know what type of gun was used. But I know that the bullet dented my vest and I have a big bruise and graze on my shoulder. I got in the car and drove away.”
Mrs O'Rourke was treated by colleagues and was so shaken she was given two days off work.
It is the second time she has been attacked on duty. The first was in Hounslow in 2007 when a gang wearing bandanas and masks tried to steal her stab-proof vest.
Mrs O'Rourke, who lives in Harwich and is based at Whipps Cross Ambulance Station, has worked for the London Ambulance Service for 10 years.
She said: “We should never have to suffer this while we're working in the community, but the people who will suffer most are the patients who call for an ambulance and have to wait for treatment because we're getting assaulted.
“These things do make you think about quitting the job, but I wouldn't because most patients are really nice. Most of the time I enjoy my job.”
Paul Gates, regional assistant director of operations at London Ambulance Service, said: “I'm outraged about this incident. This behaviour towards our staff is totally unacceptable, especially when they are serving the public. Our staff should be able to work without fear of being attacked.”
Last year 676 London Ambulance staff were physically assaulted, and there were 1,521 reported cases of verbal assault.
Two weeks ago a bottle was thrown at an ambulance responding to a 999 call in Edgware Road. The bottle smashed through the window, injuring two staff inside.
Speaking about the attack on Mrs O'Rourke, a police spokeswoman said: “Waltham Forest police are investigating this despicable assault.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 020 8345 3163, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Reader views (3)
i wonder what injuries she would have sustained if she wasnt' wearing her stab vest, when are management up here in teh midlands going to sort the stab vest issue out, its only been talked about now for the past 8 years.
- Capt, birmingham , england
Interesting this article was not picked up by 'The Sun' et al who were quick to criticise that "medic waited outside address whilst completing health and safety assessment" and "lone paramedic refused to enter pub". perhaps the health and safety heckling brigade who feel free to critacise from their safe armchair and suggest that paramedics are "paid to charge in, regardless of personal risk" would do good to read this article.
Ambulance crews face a daily barrage of verbal and physical abuse from patients and the general public
- Medics, Norfolk
Now perhaps the halfwits who berated a female paramedic in the East Midlands for not going into a pub, because she feared for her safety, will understand what we have to put up with.
Ambulance staff are not here to be shot at, stabbed, spat at, punched, abused etc. We are trying to help people - some of whom deserve no help whatsoever.
If she hadn't been wearing a stab vest, that could have been a lot worse. Moreover, she could have as easily been blinded. I hope that little scrote gets shot by another one of his mates - then he'll be the first to squeal for an ambulance.
- Flora Gardens, West London, England
