Assaults On EMSA Medics Unexpectedly Common

An Oklahoma City man is accused of faking an illness to beat up an EMSA paramedic.

Thursday, October 17th 2013, 10:49 pm

By: News 9


An Oklahoma City man is accused of faking an illness to beat up an EMSA paramedic.

It happened Oct. 14 at an apartment complex located at 7000 West Britton Road after Terry Carter had been placed in the back of the ambulance. Oklahoma City police said Carter faked two seizures, then punched a medic in the face and kicked him in the groin.

Patients are assaulting EMSA medics about once a month and that does not include what EMSA considers minor assaults involving kicks, head butts, bites and punches.

"He took a swing at me and hit me right on the cheek," Jason Duncan said.

Duncan was punched in the face by an irate man at the scene of an accident five years ago.

"I threw several punches. I couldn't tell you exactly how many, but seven is my guess-timation," he explained when asked if he had to fight back.

Attacks on ambulance crews are common and happen across the country. Paramedic John Graham was not surprised a co-worker was attacked again this week.

"Just a flip of the switch and all of a sudden, the fight is on," Graham said.

According to EMSA, Oklahoma City had 11 major assaults over the past 12 months. Tulsa had five during that same time period.

1/24/2013 Related Story: Assaulted By Patient, Pregnant Paramedic Loses Child

In one of the most notable Oklahoma City cases, a pregnant medic lost her unborn child when a patient kicked her stomach during an assault.

In this week's assault, Terry Carter was arrested for assault and battery because EMSA believed the assault was intentional and he had no medical emergency.

"Occasionally we come across somebody who is out to hurt somebody and we are the first ones there," Graham said.

The agency said about 25% of the assaults result in an employee missing work due to an injury, however most return quickly.

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