Borders paramedic repeatedly punched and knocked to the floor during emergency call-out
Scottish Ambulance Service staff face daily violence and abuse
Last updated 8th Jan 2026
A Borders paramedic has revealed he was repeatedly punched, and knocked to the floor, while responding to an emergency call.
Drew Dodd, from Chirnside, is recalling the incident in Edinburgh to highlight the levels of violence Scottish Ambulance Service face, with new figures showing one is assaulted or abused every day.
He had been dispatched to an intoxicated male, who had fallen and sustained a head injury.
"Initially, he was pleasant and cooperative," Drew said. "We advised him due to the head injury and level of intoxication he should attend hospital. Enroute, the patient suddenly stood up while the vehicle was moving.
“I asked him to sit back down for safety. His demeanour changed rapidly, so I took my radio and initiated an urgent call, anticipating police assistance might be required.
"As soon as I pressed the button, he punched me in the face, knocking the radio across the vehicle. He then struck me a second time, causing me to fall to the floor. He proceeded to hit me a further three times.”
In the 12 months up to April 2025, 369 Scottish Ambulance Service staff were physically assaulted or verbally abused - an increase of 11 per cent on the year before.
Nearly 200 staff members were physically hurt while on shift, with the majority of incidents happening in the East and West of the country.
These include staff being spat on, kicked, punched and threatened with weapons.
Drew said for his own safety he had to restrain the patient, whilst his colleague activated the panic alarm and until police arrived.
READ MORE: Northumberland man who blew up cash machine is jailed
SAS Chief Executive Michael Dickson said: “The fact that our staff face daily violence, verbal abuse or aggression is completely unacceptable.
“These incidents can have a significant and lasting impact on our people, sometimes even leading them to leave the ambulance service.
“They have the right to carry out their work helping patients and saving lives without fear of assault or abuse and we will continue to work with Police Scotland, like we have done on this occasion, to take action against perpetrators.”
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/