Community Rallies For Boston EMTs After Attack

BOSTON — After two Boston EMS ambulance paramedics were attacked by a patient in the back of their ambulance, Boston EMS Relief Association is working to raise money to help cover their medical bills. In just 12 hours some 88 people had chipped in more than $7,000 to support the EMT who underwent emergency surgery after being stabbed several times by a patient she was helping.

On July 10, a Boston EMS ambulance staffed with two veteran EMTs was transporting a woman to the hospital for a mental evaluation. As they approached the hospital, the woman suddenly became aggressive toward the EMT in the back, taking a knife and stabbing the veteran EMT several times.

When her partner, who was driving, heard the commotion he stopped the ambulance and went to help. The patient sprayed him in the face with a mace-like chemical spray, before the two were able to restrain her. Police arrived shortly after and were able to arrest her, while the two EMTs were rushed to the hospital. One EMT needed emergency surgery and the other was treated and released.

As news about the attack got out, EMS relief association were inundated with phone calls and emails asking for a way to help the EMTs.

"Every single day the brave men and women of Boston EMS literally put their lives on the line so that they may help others. What has occurred is a tragedy, and an absolute monstrosity. This is the time where in the face of extreme adversity, we come together," the organization posted to its Facebook page.

In response the association partnered with the BPPA-EMS Division, Peer Support, and Boston EMS in an effort to make sure the EMTs and their families are taken care of and started the GoFoundMe crowd source fundraiser.

The woman accused of attacking the EMTs was in court Thursday and a judge ordered 20-day mental health evaluation.

"This resulted in serious injuries to the crew: physically, emotionally and mentally," said Boston EMS Relief Association in a post on GoFundMe.

Read more about how to donate.

Previous:

• Woman Accused Of Stabbing Boston EMT Held For Mental Evaluation
• Boston EMTs Stabbed, Attacked By Patient
• Bomb Threat Directed At Martha's Vineyard Airport
• EMT Stabbing Suspect May Be Tied To Vineyard Bomb Threat: Report

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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).