An ambulance worker from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) was assaulted on Christmas Day after stopping to assist a man sitting in the middle of Moor Farm roundabout on the A19 in Cramlington, Northumberland. The attack left the responder with injuries to her ribs and arm, severely impacting her ability to carry out daily activities and care for her children.
The responder used a panic button to call for backup, but a colleague who arrived to help was also attacked. Northumbria Police arrested a man on suspicion of assault, who has since been released on bail.
Responder’s Struggle After the Incident
The victim, reflecting on the attack, shared the profound physical and emotional toll it has taken:
“I’ve struggled with small things like brushing my hair, cutting up my dinner, and most importantly, giving my kids cuddles – and that’s just the physical impact I need to recover from. Had there not been anyone close by to help, I think it could have been a very different story. It’s just not acceptable – we were just trying to help.”
NEAS staff and police eventually restrained the attacker, requiring the effort of three team members before authorities arrived.
NEAS Response to the Assault
Claire Jobling, operations manager at NEAS, expressed her dismay over the incident, especially as it occurred on Christmas Day.
“Our staff come to work at Christmas to keep helping people who need them,” Jobling said. “They leave their own celebrations and families at a special time of year, and it’s inconceivable that they come across any sort of harm in the line of duty.”
The NEAS is supporting the injured staff member as she recovers, while calling for greater protection for emergency responders who risk their safety to serve the public.
