Brick attack on lifesaving paramedics shocks North East
Paramedics targeted after assault call
Two doctors and a paramedic from Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) rushed to an assault in Trimdon Station. The North East Ambulance Service’s (NEAS) HART team also joined the scene. After treating the patient, the crew handed them over to a NEAS road team for hospital transfer.
Brick smash rocks rapid response vehicle
As the GNAAS team drove away at 7.40pm to their base in Urlay Nook, Eaglescliffe, disaster struck. A brick was hurled at their car, smashing the rear passenger window and door.
Paramedic Jamie Walsh described the terrifying moment: “The bang it made was pretty terrifying but thankfully we were all okay. Luckily it didn’t hit the centre of the window where our doctor was sitting as it would have come through and could have caused catastrophic injuries.”
NEAS HART’s vehicle was also hit, with a brick thrown onto its bonnet. Walsh added, “This is not a common occurrence so we are very shocked and disappointed by the incident.”
Damage manageable but costly
Thankfully, the damage was not severe enough to stop GNAAS from continuing their lifesaving work. Walsh confirmed, “There was no major damage to the window or door of our vehicle so we were able to continue to respond to incidents throughout the night.”
But the repair bill is an unwelcome blow. Walsh said, “It will still cost the charity to fix it, and in the current economic climate every penny counts. It’s a shame we must divert funds normally reserved for helping critically ill or injured people to repair the car.”
Busy night for critical care heroes
Saturday is one of GNAAS’s busiest nights. Even after the attack, the team was called out five more times that night. The charity runs a paramedic and doctor rapid response vehicle five nights a week across the North East, plus a daytime helicopter service.
GNAAS hopes to expand to a seven-night night service but needs more funding. Running costs are high — £7.7m a year — and last year the critical care teams responded to 1,732 emergencies.
The brazen brick attack on these frontline lifesavers has stunned the community. Paramedics putting their lives on the line deserve nothing less than respect and support — not bricks through windows.
