An ambulance paramedic sustained injuries during an incident involving a drunk patient on the Moscow highway in Saratov, according to a report from the Regional Health Minister, Oleg Kostin.
The minister stated that the injured medical worker would be admitted to a hospital for treatment and observation. The event occurred on Sunday, January 1, while emergency personnel were rendering aid to an intoxicated individual on the roadside.
Kostin described the situation as one in which a Saratov Regional Emergency Medical Station team member was physically assaulted during the course of providing essential medical care. The health official indicated that the paramedic, aged 45, faced injuries sufficient to require hospital admission at Saratov City Hospital No. The patient’s condition raised concerns about a possible traumatic brain injury, pending medical assessments and imaging results.
In response to the incident, law enforcement authorities were summoned to the scene to address the use of force against a medical professional, and an investigation was launched to determine the circumstances and any individuals involved. Such cases highlight the risks faced by frontline medical personnel while performing their duties, especially when dealing with intoxicated or agitated patients.
This event follows a separate report from Transbaikalia, where a pensioner was described as attacking a doctor in a hospital setting, resulting in penetrating stab wounds and hospitalisation for the victim. The parallel incidents underscore ongoing concerns about safety for healthcare workers across different regions, emphasizing the need for continued protective measures and appropriate legal accountability for assaults on medical staff.
Regional authorities continue to monitor the situation and coordinate medical and police responses to ensure proper care for the injured paramedic and to support the broader workforce serving the public in Saratov and surrounding areas. Officials also reiterate the commitment to safeguarding healthcare workers who are routinely exposed to high-stress environments and difficult circumstances while delivering essential services to communities in need. The investigation will aim to establish the sequence of events, identify any mitigating factors, and determine appropriate actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.