Nottingham Ambulance Crew Survive Brutal Assault

Following a particularly brutal assault on ambulance crew in Nottingham, the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has successfully prosecuted the perpetrator, marking a significant step in addressing violence against frontline workers.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred on 27 January 2019, at 4am in Talbot Street, Nottingham. Technician Heath Ismay and Ambulance Care Assistant Mark Maddy were responding to a call for an ambulance after concerned passers-by reported a patient, Matthew Fealey.

Upon arrival, Fealey became aggressive and launched a physical attack on the crew, throwing punches, kicking, and pulling out Ismay’s hair. Police officers arrived within six minutes after the ambulance crew requested assistance.

Legal Outcome

Matthew Fealey, 34, from Methyr Tydfil in Wales, was arrested and charged with assault. He was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, at Nottingham Magistrates Court on 29 March 2019.

The prosecution was a result of close collaboration between EMAS and Nottinghamshire Police, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service. The case was supported by CCTV footage from the incident, which was released by EMAS.

Broader Context of Violence

This incident is not isolated. Between May 2018 and April 2019, ambulance staff in Nottinghamshire reported 30 physical assaults. Of these, 16 individuals were sent to court or given cautions and words of advice, depending on the severity of the incident and the ambulance staff’s wishes.

Additionally, police officers and Police Constable Support Officers have suffered 124 assaults during the same period. These figures underscore the persistent issue of violence against emergency services personnel.

Staff Reactions and Impact

Mark Maddy, an ambulance care assistant with nine years of experience at EMAS, described the incident as the most severe he had encountered. He expressed disappointment that Fealey targeted the crew while they were trying to help him.

Heath Ismay, an ambulance technician with five years of experience, noted that Fealey’s aggression was unexpected and that the attack was particularly distressing. Both crew members emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance approach to such incidents.

Organizational Response

Kelvin Langford, Local Security Management Specialist at EMAS, stated that frontline colleagues and those in the 999 control room signed up to help people, not to be assaulted. He highlighted that alcohol or substance abuse is not an excuse for such behavior.

Chief Inspector Chris Sullivan of Nottinghamshire Police reiterated that any assault on emergency services staff is unacceptable. He praised the bravery of the ambulance crew and emphasized the importance of collaboration between police and ambulance services to reduce such incidents.

Public-Interest Significance

The case highlights the broader issue of violence against emergency services workers, a problem that has been reported across the UK. The collaboration between EMAS and Nottinghamshire Police demonstrates the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing such incidents.

It also underscores the need for stronger measures to protect frontline workers, including better training, improved response times, and increased public awareness of the risks faced by emergency services personnel.

Source and Verification

The information in this report is sourced from the East Midlands Ambulance Service, which released the details of the incident and the legal outcome. The source material is available at https://www.emas.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/successful-prosecution-after-nottingham-ambulance-crew-victims-brutal-assault.