Paramedic’s fury after yobs shoot FIREWORKS at his crew as they tried to treat patient
Paramedic said experience reminded him of being shot at in the army
YOBS shot fireworks at paramedics as they transferred a patient into the back of an ambulance while responding to a 999 call.
A paramedic working to treat the patient while under fire has spoken of his fury, saying the attack reminded him of being in the army.
The crew had been responding to an emergency call in Newport, Wales, at about 11pm on Sunday.
As they left the ambulance a "large number of fireworks" were sent hurling towards them - coming very close to hitting them.
Fireworks were sent flying in their direction again as they transferred the patient into the back of the ambulance and made their way to hospital.
Paramedic Jason Harvey, who attended the call with Emergency Medical Technician Nick Simons, said: "I felt angry and frustrated as we were there to attend a job and you don't expect to have fireworks thrown at you in the course of your work.
"I've been in the army and I've been shot at and it was quite close to how that felt.
"I was very concerned for the patient and also for our crews."
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Tony Crandon, Acting Head of Operations for the Aneurin Bevan Health Board area, said: "We know that most members of the community value the crucial work that our crews carry out and that's why we're asking them to come forward if they witnessed what happened.
"Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident, but fireworks can be extremely dangerous and even a small amount of damage to the ambulance could have taken our crew off the road and prevented them from attending to people in need of urgent treatment."
Local Policing Commander Glyn Fernquest added: "Fireworks are dangerous and have to be used in a responsible and adult manner. This is not a game and your actions will have serious consequences.
"The emergency services work long and hard to protect our communities and we will be taking a zero tolerance approach to anyone putting their safety in jeopardy.
"Additional officers will be patrolling the area and anyone found causing anti-social behaviour will be dealt with robustly.
"We've recently charged seven people following disorder in this area last week and we will not stop until we find who is responsible and bring this behaviour to a standstill."
Anyone who can assist Gwent Police is asked to call 101 quoting log number 553 16/10/16.
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