Female Paramedic Injured in Violent Assault at Altnagelvin Hospital

An experienced female paramedic has suffered multiple injuries following a violent assault at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry/Londonderry. The incident has prompted condemnation and renewed calls for greater protection for frontline emergency workers.

A female paramedic has suffered serious injuries following an assault at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry/Londonderry on Saturday evening, 7 November 2026.

The Altnagelvin paramedic assault reportedly happened as ambulance staff were helping a male patient they had transported to hospital.

The injured paramedic is understood to have more than 37 years of experience caring for people across the local community.

What Happened During the Altnagelvin Paramedic Assault?

According to accounts of the incident, the paramedic was assisting a male patient from an ambulance stretcher into a chair when he suddenly became violent.

The man allegedly punched the paramedic in the face, causing her to fall to the ground and knocking off her glasses.

A second female paramedic reportedly attempted to intervene. However, she was also threatened as the man allegedly attempted to strike her.

The patient is then reported to have continued attacking the injured paramedic while she was on the floor.

The assault is said to have lasted several minutes before it ended.

Experienced Paramedic Suffers Multiple Injuries

The injured woman reportedly sustained injuries to her:

• Head and neck
• Face
• Hands

She is also believed to have suffered a concussion, although this has not been independently confirmed.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of ambulance crews carrying out their duties.

NIAS Chief Executive Reportedly Condemns Attack

Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Chief Executive Jenny Keane is reported to have strongly condemned the assault.

According to the account circulated following the incident, Ms Keane expressed concern about the injuries suffered by the experienced paramedic.

She also reportedly highlighted the potential longer-term psychological effects on the injured woman and her colleagues who witnessed the violence.

The account attributes to Ms Keane a call for those responsible for attacks on healthcare workers to face the full force of the law.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has previously highlighted the serious impact of violence and aggression on its workforce.

Further information about its work can be found on the official NIAS website.

SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin Condemns Assault

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has also condemned the attack.

Ms McLaughlin, who personally knows the injured paramedic, expressed her shock that someone dedicated to helping others had suffered such serious injuries while working.

Speaking about the incident, she stressed that frontline healthcare workers deserve respect and protection.

She said:

“We need to send a clear message that this will not be tolerated.”

The MLA also raised concerns about the lasting effects of violence on emergency service personnel.

She called for those responsible to be held accountable and said her immediate concern was for the injured paramedic’s recovery.

Renewed Concerns Over Violence Against Emergency Workers

The incident has renewed attention on the dangers facing ambulance crews and other frontline healthcare professionals across Northern Ireland.

Paramedics regularly attend unpredictable emergencies and provide treatment to people in difficult circumstances.

However, threats, intimidation and physical violence should never be considered an acceptable part of their work.

Protecting emergency workers is essential to ensuring they can continue delivering vital medical care to communities.

The incident also highlights the importance of supporting healthcare staff who experience violence at work, including those who witness attacks on colleagues.

Support for Injured Paramedic

The thoughts of the wider community will undoubtedly be with the injured paramedic as she recovers.

Her colleagues, family and everyone affected by the incident also face a difficult time.

Emergency service personnel dedicate their working lives to helping others. They deserve to carry out those duties without fear of violence.

Northern Ireland Online will continue to follow developments and provide updates as further confirmed information becomes available.