Six paramedics were forced to barricade themselves inside an Alice Springs home while treating a critically unwell patient, as violence involving rocks and weapons unfolded outside.
The incident, which occurred around 2pm on Friday 11 September, highlights the ongoing impact of occupational violence on paramedics, patient care and the community relying on emergency ambulance services.
While St John NT paramedics were performing lifesaving interventions on the patient, a large group of intoxicated people arrived and the scene rapidly escalated. Crew were verbally assaulted, faced attempts of physical violence and became trapped inside the house as a large fight involving rocks and weapons unfolded outside.
With no safe way to leave, the paramedics were forced to remove people from the house, barricade themselves inside using the stretcher and continue lifesaving treatment while waiting for police assistance. Only once the scene was brought under control could they safely move the patient and transport them to Alice Springs Hospital.
St John NT thanks NT Police for their prompt response and support in restoring scene safety. No physical injuries to the paramedics were reported, however crew members were visibly distressed following the incident.
St John NT Regional Manager Southern Abbey Studley said the incident demonstrated how quickly violence could compromise emergency, with such incidents continuing to have a cumulative impact on staff across the service.
“Our people were there trying to save someone’s life. Instead, they found themselves barricaded inside a house, unable to safely continue treatment and get that patient to hospital,” Ms Studley said.
“Every minute our paramedics are managing violence is time they are being prevented from providing care. That affects the patient in front of them, our people and the wider community relying on those ambulance resources.
“We have zero tolerance for this behaviour. Our paramedics should not be threatened, abused or physically attacked for trying to help someone, and we will not accept violence as simply part of the job.
“The cumulative impact of repeated exposure to occupational violence is already evident across our workforce.
“If the Territory wants to retain experienced paramedics, we all need to do more to keep them safe. That means calling this behaviour out, protecting our ambos and making sure our people know they will be backed when they come to work.”
The Alice Springs incident followed other occupational violence incidents involving crews in the Darwin region.
On 8 September, paramedics were subjected to repeated threats, threatening gestures and racially charged comments while transporting a patient. Attempts to verbally de-escalate the situation were unsuccessful.
The following day, another crew faced escalating aggression after assessing a patient and arranging appropriate alternative transport. A family member threw a glass bottle at a paramedic, striking them in the chest and abdomen, while others banged on the ambulance until the crew could leave.
A further incident on 12 September saw paramedics modify clinical care due to escalating aggression and threats from a patient. Some clinical interventions needed to be withheld because of risk to safety, and transport was discontinued after the patient declined further care and threats escalated.
St John NT CEO Abigail Trewin said violence against paramedics had consequences beyond the individual incidents.
“Our paramedics come to work to save lives and care for their community. They should not have to defend themselves from violence while doing it,” Ms Trewin said.
“When crews cannot safely treat a patient, leave a scene or continue transport, care can be delayed and ambulance resources can be tied up when another Territorian urgently needs them.
“Protecting our paramedics is about more than protecting our workforce. It is about making sure they can reach the next patient, provide the care they need and get them safely to hospital when every minute counts.
“We need continued action, appropriate systems and sufficient resources to protect our ambos and keep them safe at work.”
