Patient opens fire on two paramedics with paintball gun in KZN

Two ER24 paramedics, as well as their vehicle, were met with hails of ammunition after a patient whipped out a paintball gun on Thursday 30 January 2020 in Glenwood, Durban. 

A statement released on Thursday said: “Two ER24 paramedics were lucky to have escaped with no injuries.”  

Paintball shooter found with knife in stomach 

Shortly before 17:00 on Thursday, paramedics arrived at a residential property in Glenwood following a dispatch call for a 43-year-old man with a knife embedded in his stomach. 

“Upon arrival at the property a woman and her daughter opened the gate for the paramedics. They were escorted to the kitchen where they found the man with a large knife in his stomach,” said the statement. 

According to the paramedics on the scene, the man pulled the knife out of his stomach and started to threaten them. Paramedics immediately called for further assistance.

Man whips out paintball gun 

Moments later the man produced a paintball marker and started firing solid ammunition at the paramedics and their vehicle. Multiple rounds damaged windows on the side of the ambulance. Fortunately, the paramedics were able to find shelter behind the vehicle and were not hit.

Police and further resources arrived on the scene and the man later calmed down. However, he refused to be treated and only be transported to the hospital. 

Another ER24 ambulance transported the man under police guard to a nearby hospital.

A case will be opened at the Umbilo Police Station. Police officers on the scene seized the paintball marker and other objects.

Image via: @ER24EMS Twitter

What paramedics should do to stay safe on the scene

According to Arrive Alive, here’s what can be done to ensure the safety of paramedics.

• With specialised training, paramedics are not only taught how to deal with dangerous situations but also how to identify these situations and when danger may be present;
• Mitigations that are put in place include situational awareness and standard safety precautions;
• First responders/paramedics are also encouraged not to carry large amounts of cash or expensive electronic devices;
• Private ambulance services can add an additional medic on the PRV with the advanced paramedic, or they have to give the paramedics training on self-defence.

Here’s what the community can do

• The community can continue with lobbying against criminal behaviour against paramedics and being vocal when it occurs;
• They can also help police with information when an incident occurs;
• Members of the community are urged to report any situations to the local authorities;
• By reporting unsafe situations, this acts as a deterrent to the criminal;
• In addition, people are urged not to purchase any medical equipment or medical stock sold at second-hand shops or from medical companies, pharmacies or people who are not registered to provide such services.