Lucky escape for ER24 paramedic after an attempted robbery.

An ER24 paramedic was treated and hospitalised on Wednesday morning following an attack at the local branch in Johannesburg East.

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.

ER24 strongly condemns any violence against emergency workers and ask anyone with further information or the whereabouts of the suspect, to report it to their nearest police station. 

Note: The paramedic consented to publication of the attached photo.