Paramedic attacked and nurse locked in during emergency response in Hasselt
A 28-year-old man from Tongeren was tried for violence against emergency workers who came to his aid during a suspected epileptic seizure.
Paramedic attacked and nurse locked in during emergency response in Hasselt
A 28-year-old man from Tongeren appeared before the criminal court on Wednesday. He had to answer for a violent incident that occurred on 26 January 2024 in Hasselt, in which an ambulance worker was assaulted and an emergency nurse was held captive.
The incident was triggered when the defendant was at an acquaintance's home in Hasselt and had drunk heavily. His friend believed an epileptic seizure was occurring and called emergency services. When the rescue workers arrived, they found the man rolling on the floor. Instead of accepting medical care, he kicked the paramedic in the groin and stomach. The injuries were so severe that the victim was unable to work for thirteen days.
The paramedic's lawyer, Bert Partoens, requested compensation of €1,516. He pointed out that his client had undergone stomach surgery in 2023, which meant the injuries could have been even more serious. The female nurse claimed €1,750 and requested that the man be barred from Jessa Hospital for non-acute matters. Since the attack, her work has never been the same.
While the paramedic was able to escape the flat, his colleague remained locked inside. The perpetrator blocked her way in the doorway, while the flat resident remained passive. He shouted threats towards his fleeing colleague. The paramedic's later attempts to return and rescue his colleague failed. Ultimately, police officers managed to free the woman, but the arrest proved extremely difficult. The man resisted vigorously and hit his head against walls and the ground to cause himself injury.
The defendant admitted to the facts but claimed to have no memory of anything. According to him, everything was "a blank" after he lost consciousness. The prosecution found, however, that he systematically forgot to take his anti-epileptic medication and consumed excessive alcohol. An earlier conviction in 2023 for similar offences resulted in a four-month prison sentence.
The prosecutor now demanded eighteen months in prison and a fine of €800, with the possibility of suspension provided the man adhered to strict conditions: no alcohol abuse, compliance with therapy and maintaining employment.
Advocate Victoria Roddi defended her client by pointing to his neurological background and limited schooling until third year of secondary education. She pleaded for a conditional sentence and emphasised his current employment.
During the hearing, the ambulance personnel read a moving statement. "This incident has had a greater impact on me than the most severe emergency situations in my career. When I began as a rescue worker in 1985, I never expected to end up as a victim in a courtroom. Nothing prepares you for violence from someone you are trying to help. We came to save lives, but emergency workers also have their limits."
The defendant turned to the court with an apology. "This must never happen again. I accept my punishment for what I have done. I am truly sorry." The verdict is scheduled for 10 July.
Source: Het Belang van Limburg
Source: Het Belang van Limburg