KZN paramedics traumatised after Lions River mob attack
Two St Michael's Ambulance Service medics are currently undergoing trauma counselling after their vehicle came under attack on Christmas evening in Lions River.
They were dispatched to the area to assist a patient who had breathing problems.
Director of St Michael's Ambulance Service, Ryan King says paramedics were moments away from the patient's home when their ambulance was jammed by another vehicle from behind.
"According to my crew they managed to see the patient with the family and from the window of the ambulance, they could see the house and where the family was trying to get the patient through to the ambulance.
The crew were traumatised by that obviously, being able to see the patient and family in distress and actually not being able to get to them.
He says the crew was then attacked by an 'angry mob' and that shots were fired. King says the medics were left with no option but had to make an escape.
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The medics were not injured. They were pursued by the vehicle that initially parked them in for a couple of kilometres.
"The crew managed to get to the SAPS where they opened a case and I know it is being worked on b the police at this time. We do know that the patient we were going to help passed away and I would like to send my condolences to that family," he says.
King says for now, their ambulances will not respond to emergencies in the area as it's not the first time they've been threatened in the area.
