It’s Christmas Eve, a time for celebration and goodwill but unfortunately we have some terrible news to share.

This weekend our cyclist paramedic based in Manchester city centre was viciously attacked whilst attending to a patient. As he knelt down to treat his patient, the assailant ran up unexpectedly and kicked him in the head.

Paramedic Ian Shortman was then treated in hospital where he underwent numerous tests including a CT scan as a result of dizziness and headaches.

The attacker was restrained by three doormen in the vicinity and the patient was taken to hospital. Greater Manchester Police responded and an arrest was made.

Ian said: “In 20 years’ service for NWAS and the people of Manchester, this is the most terrifying assault I’ve ever been subjected to. At the point of being kicked I was completely vulnerable and disoriented, if it hadn’t been for intervention of the good people out there, I dread to think about the outcome. 

“However I refuse to allow one person to ruin a great career serving the people of Manchester, including the homeless, at this time of year when we are needed most.”

Thankfully Ian is now making a good recovery but this was understandably a very frightening experience for him and meant that the city centre lost a valuable resource for the remainder of the shift.

Head of Service, Pat McFadden said: “I am absolutely appalled at this abhorrent behaviour. Our staff who work so hard to care for other people when they are most in need should never be subject to such a vile and vicious attack  but sadly it does happen all too often.

“Ian’s positive and courageous attitude is admirable and the trust is supporting him, as we do with all incidents of this type, but it should not be happening. I would like to send out a clear message that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated and wherever possible, action will be taken against aggressors.”

In the year 2018/19, there were 385 incidents of physical assaults on North West Ambulance Service staff.