On duty just after 6pm, these paramedics' shift is about to go bad
Two years ago, Alice Springs paramedic Abbey Studley was brutally attacked on the job. Despite a brain injury, she's now back at work — and when the ABC tagged along with ambulance crews, the team recorded its 100th attack for the year.
Paramedics in Alice Springs, Australia, begin their shift just after 6pm on a Tuesday night, but they face an increased risk of violence. The paramedic team, St John Ambulance, has received a call to assist someone experiencing a medical issue. However, a recent surge in violence against frontline workers in Central Australia means the paramedics never know what they will encounter when dispatched.
Earlier in the week, the ABC joined the paramedics for a ride-along, and despite a calm start, things took a dangerous turn during transport to the hospital.
Upon arrival at Alice Springs Hospital, the patient became aggressive, attacking the paramedics by punching and spitting at them. This incident brings the total number of attacks on Alice Springs ambulance staff to 100 in 2026, with the majority being physical assaults. There are only three 24-hour crews and 45 paramedics available, making it difficult for the staff to avoid violence.
Abbey Studley, one of the paramedics involved in the incident, expresses her disappointment and anger, emphasizing that there is never an excuse for violence. Three of her colleagues are currently delivering statements to the police, while the remaining resources are at the hospital handing over patients or providing statements.
Abbey herself has a history of violence, having been brutally attacked two years ago, which left her with permanent injuries, including blindness in her right eye and limited feeling in her left arm. She spent two months in an acquired brain injury unit in Melbourne and has since returned to her career.
The paramedic team plans to regroup and debrief following the Tuesday incident. They will be given time to stand down and recoup before deciding whether they want to continue working. Body-worn cameras and OC spray have been suggested as potential measures to curb violence against paramedics across the Northern Territory. While no paramedic has been charged with Abbey's assault, the NT government is considering these measures, weighing the potential benefits against privacy concerns and space limitations.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
