Boston EMTs Stabbed, Attacked By Patient

BOSTON — Two EMTs were attacked in the back of an ambulance and had to be rushed to Mass General Hospital for treatment Wednesday. One EMT who was stabbed multiple times underwent surgery is recovering. A second EMT was treated and released after a patient sprayed a chemical in his eyes, according to the Boston EMS officials.

Boston Chief Jim Hooley told reporters Wednesday that an EMT was attacked by a psychiatric patient in the back of an ambulance while the woman was being transported from East Boston to Massachusetts General Hospital. He says the patient became unruly, took out a knife and attacked the EMT.

The EMT who was stabbed multiple times was awake and surrounded by her loved ones and colleagues Wednesday night, a spokesperson for Boston EMS said in a statement.

The other EMT was treated and released from the hospital. The EMTs were not identified.

"Boston EMS would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt thoughts and prayers for our injured EMTs and our entire department," the EMS spokesperson said. "They’ve been heard and are greatly appreciated. EMS would also like to send our gratitude to Mayor Martin Walsh, the attending medical and surgical teams at MGH, the Boston Police Department, and the Boston Fire Department for their ongoing support during this difficult time."

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).