WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Bodycam shows the shocking moment where a hammer strike nearly misses a paramedic’s head before the crew were forced to activate an emergency alert
A man has been jailed after a violent attack on paramedics with a claw hammer was caught on camera.
Ambulance crews attended a property in Bristol to provide emergency care but had to flee for their lives after James Chandler, 49, tried to strike them with the weapon.
Chandler initially engaged with clinicians, but then armed himself with a claw hammer and launched his attack as the crew attempted to leave. Bodycam shows the shocking moment where a hammer strike nearly misses a paramedic’s head.
The crew were forced to flee for their safety and activate an emergency alert.
Avon and Somerset Police arrested Chandler who later pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and threatening with an offensive weapon.
He was sentenced to 16 months in prison at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday (16/7) and will serve at least 40 per cent of his sentence prior to potential release.
Judge Mr Justice Picton told him: “Understandably, you caused your victim great fear. He thought he was at risk of losing his life.”
The paramedic who was attacked during the incident in Bristol on 28 May this year, said: “Nobody should feel unsafe while carrying out their job, particularly when working in a caring profession.
“Sadly, we are often verbally abused, but thankfully physical abuse is less common, though it still happens.
Watch the bodyworn footage below, warning some views may find the footage distressing.
“I hope this shocking footage and successful prosecution sends a clear message that violence and abuse towards emergency workers will not be tolerated.
“I would also like to thank my colleagues and Avon & Somerset Police for the support I have received since the incident.”
Mike Jones, Crime & Violence Reduction Manager at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “This was an appalling and genuinely life-threatening attack on ambulance staff.
“The paramedic involved was deliberately targeted with a claw hammer at extremely close range which could very easily have resulted in a fatality.
“Our staff come to work to provide care and treatment to patients. They should be able to do so without fear of violence, abuse or intimidation.
“We are seeing, far too often, that healthcare workers are being exposed to extreme violence simply for doing their jobs. This cannot, and will not, be tolerated.
“Any assault on an emergency worker is unacceptable.We will continue to work closely with our police colleagues and pursue every possible action through the criminal justice system to ensure these people are held accountable.
“We remain committed to supporting our people and taking steps to help keep them safe while serving communities across the South West.”
