'Racist' attack in ambulance reinforces calls for greater protection for emergency workers - The Solihull Observer

'Racist' attack in ambulance reinforces calls for greater protection for emergency workers

Solihull Editorial 17th Nov, 2017 Updated: 17th Nov, 2017   0

AN alleged ‘racist’ attack took place in an ambulance in the West Midlands.

The incident on Tuesday morning (November 14), the third to be reported recently, is understood to have taken place around Tyseley.

The paramedic concerned was Peter Bowles who was responding to a 999 call involving an intoxicated man.

Peter Bowles tweeted: “Whilst working overtime on an ambulance an intoxicated patient tried to slap my face, racially and verbally abused myself and crewmate, all whilst they had us locked into their house!




“Thankfully talked them into opening door but followed us to ambulance shouting at us!”

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) told us the case is being investigated by the police.


It is understood that the violent patient insulted Bowles’ Irish heritage.

The Solihull Police Partnership team responded on Twitter, saying: “Absolutely unacceptable. We won’t accept this behaviour and will take action wherever we can to bring such people to justice.”

A WMAS spokesman said: “It is never ok to assault or threaten ambulance staff. We will always push for a prosecution of the people who do so.

“The public have made it clear that they want tough action from the courts so that those people who are here to protect all of us get the protection they need from the judicial system.”

The trusts head of security, Steve Elliker, said: “Whilst we welcome the new Private Members Bill to provide emergency workers with enhanced protection, the Ministry of Justice has made it quite clear that there is no reason why the courts cannot hand down custodial sentences based on current legislation.”

Many took to Twitter to express their support for Mr Bowles.

One user said: “Disgusting that you have been treated like this, hope you and your crew mate are ok and have reported the person involved.”

Another said: “Aww Peter, I’m so sorry to hear this. It really is totally unacceptable behaviour, you guys do a remarkable job & truly deserve better.”

We recently reported the WMAS has called for tougher sentences to be handed to those who assault staff.

The call followed an incident in which paramedic Amy Holtom had her wrist broken and suffered from cuts and bruising to her legs after being kicked by a patient.

Another man was sentenced to a six-month prison term at Warwick Magistrates Court on Tuesday, for headbutting a paramedic.

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