Paramedics Attacked by Dog During Emergency Call in Leicester
Three frontline ambulance workers faced a brutal attack by a patient’s dog while responding to an emergency in Leicester last August. Paramedics Asha Patel, Rebecca Dunn, and student paramedic Cerys Hughes have shared their terrifying ordeal, exposing the dangers ambulance crews face on duty.
Dog Owner Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison
Pradipkumar Dayal, 55, who has no fixed address, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court last week to 25 months behind bars. He pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of a dangerously out-of-control dog. Dayal was also banned from owning dogs indefinitely. On top of this, he received additional sentences for common assault, criminal damage, cannabis cultivation, and possession charges.
Paramedics Fought Off Fierce Dog Attack
The drama unfolded when Asha and Cerys first arrived in a fast-response vehicle to attend the emergency call. Rebecca joined later to help transport the patient to hospital. Although the dog was initially secured indoors, it was suddenly released without warning and launched a vicious attack on Cerys as they escorted the patient out of the house.
The dog chased Cerys into the garden, barking fiercely, jumping up, and biting her until she fell. Rebecca bravely stepped in, shielding Cerys and managing to restore control by returning the dog to its owner. Shockingly, the dog escaped again and continued its attack, forcing the paramedics to struggle desperately while calling for backup.
In the chaos, Cerys and Rebecca fled into a neighbour’s garden to escape the relentless assault. The attack only stopped when police officers arrived to intervene.
Serious Injuries and Lingering Trauma
Rebecca suffered severe injuries to her chest, shoulder, arm, and legs that required surgery and hospital care. Over 150 days later, she’s still off work. Rebecca said,
“The memory of that day will never leave me. I could feel the flesh ripping from my legs, but adrenaline masked the pain. Realising the dog wouldn’t stop and I couldn’t defend myself was the scariest moment of my life.”
Cerys, a first-year paramedic student, added,
“I honestly thought we might not make it out alive. Without Rebecca’s help standing and protecting me, I could have been killed.”
Asha, who suffered minor injuries and ongoing mental health struggles, stated,
“The trauma from that unprovoked, terrifying attack stays with me. The screams and chaos from that morning haunt me constantly.”
Rising Assaults on Paramedics in East Midlands
This shocking incident highlights the growing risks paramedics face. Between December 2022 and November 2023, East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) recorded 1,259 assaults on staff and volunteers, covering both physical violence and verbal abuse. Leicestershire alone saw a 59% spike in assaults between April and November 2023 compared to the previous year.
To tackle this, EMAS began equipping frontline crews with Body Worn Cameras in 2022. In November 2023, footage from 62 incidents was handed to police to aid investigations.
Ben Holdaway, EMAS Director of Operations, said,
“Our teams work tirelessly to help people across the East Midlands. It’s unacceptable they face harm and threats on the job. We have a zero-tolerance stance and will support all investigations fully.”
He also reassured paramedics that the leadership team remains committed to supporting staff through the lasting effects of such traumatic events.
