Queensland paramedic allegedly dragged from ambulance and attacked by French backpacker

A French backpacker has been charged after a female paramedic was allegedly dragged from an ambulance and attacked outside a hostel in Queensland.

Cairns detectives have since charged a 21-year-old French national following the alleged attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The paramedic was left with red welts on her face and shoulder after she tried to help a patient about 3.40am.

The crew were called to a backpackers hostel on Minnie Street, Cairns, following reports that a man was feeling unwell.

Queensland Ambulance Service Assistant Commissioner for the Cairns and Hinterland area, Michelle Baxter said the man became agitated and the two paramedics retreated to their ambulance and called police.

She said the woman was “flicked on the face with a spoon” during the attack.

It’s alleged the patient unleashed an attack on the paramedic, rushing to the side of the vehicle and physically assaulting her.

The 42-year-old officer was allegedly punched in the head and dragged from the passenger side of the vehicle.

Her partner, a male paramedic, restrained the accused until policed arrived, Baxter said.

“I am very, very angry about what’s happened to our paramedic, we go to someone who is unwell and this is the treatment that we get,” Baxter said.

“The offenders need to take responsibility for their actions.”

In the last year Cairns region paramedics have reportedly endured about 40 assaults, however there has been a reduction in incidents in the last five months, according to Baxter.

“All I want is for this to stop now,” she said.

“It’s yet another case of a patient lashing out at someone trying to help them,” Queensland Ambulance Service wrote on Facebook.

“Sadly, these incidents are not isolated. We’ve seen a marked increase in both physical attacks and verbal threats against our staff in recent years.”

"We will pursue court action against anyone who harms our people, but we also need to community to help. Please take responsibility for your actions, and if you see a friend acting in an anti-social or threatening manner, pull them into line! Remember, if you see us, we are always there to help.”

The accused has been denied bail and is due to face Cairns Magistrates Court charged with one count of serious assault of a public officer.

No one else was injured in the alleged attack.