An on-duty paramedic has been stabbed in his face and neck while getting coffee, in an attack labelled “appalling and unacceptable”.
Paramedic Sam was stabbed twice in his face and neck an attack outside a cafe in Melbourne’s north on Thursday after being approached by his assailant.
Police said a man got out of a small red car around 11am on Broadway, stabbed the paramedic and fled in the same vehicle.
It is understood the specialist MICA paramedic was on shift when we was approached from behind and stabbed, according to the Herald Sun.
A bystander stepped in to help pull the victim off the paramedic.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery said Sam was thankful for the bystander’s intervention.
Mr Emery said he was “sickened” by the attack.
“No paramedic or first responder should ever come to work and be assaulted. I am sickened to my stomach,” Mr Emery said.
“We’ve had enough. This is appalling and unacceptable and needs to stop.”
Mr Emery said the paramedic was treated by his colleagues for stab wounds to his face and neck before being transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
“He is stable and in hospital, receiving full medical care as well as support from Ambulance Victoria and the Victorian Ambulance Union,” he added.
A 32-year-old man was arrested at a property in Winter Crescent in Reservoir just before 1pm.
He remains in custody but no charges have been laid.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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