Western Australia Police have issued a formal apology to St John WA following a critical incident in Kalgoorlie-Boulder where paramedics were violently attacked by a naked man. The apology comes after an internal review found the police response was significantly delayed, leaving the ambulance crew in a dangerous situation for an extended period.
Violent Confrontation Leaves Paramedics Vulnerable
The disturbing event unfolded on the evening of Friday, 7 March. Emergency services were called to a residence on Morgans Street after reports a man was behaving erratically and had damaged property. Upon arrival, St John WA paramedics encountered a 37-year-old man who was completely naked and in an extremely agitated state.
The situation escalated rapidly when the man turned his aggression towards the ambulance officers. He physically assaulted them and caused substantial damage to the emergency vehicle. Despite the crew's urgent calls for assistance, police took approximately 25 minutes to arrive at the scene. During this time, the paramedics were forced to defend themselves and manage the volatile individual without the immediate support they had requested.
Internal Review Triggers Formal Apology
The delayed response prompted an immediate internal investigation by the WA Police Force. A police spokesperson confirmed that the review identified shortcomings in their reaction time to the urgent priority call. As a direct result, Assistant Commissioner for Regional WA, Allan Adams, has written a formal letter of apology to St John WA's Chief Executive.
In the apology, the police acknowledged that their response "did not meet the community's or our own expectations". They expressed regret for the distress and risk experienced by the paramedics. The police have assured St John WA that the incident has been thoroughly reviewed to prevent similar failures in the future.
St John WA has accepted the apology, noting the strong and usually effective working relationship they maintain with police across the state. A spokesperson for the ambulance service emphasised that the safety of their frontline personnel is paramount and welcomed the proactive steps taken by police following the review.
Charges Laid Against Alleged Attacker
The 37-year-old Kalgoorlie man at the centre of the incident was eventually subdued and taken into custody. He has since been charged with multiple offences, including:
- Two counts of assaulting a public officer.
- One count of criminal damage.
- One count of obstructing public officers.
The man appeared before the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Saturday, 8 March. The case highlights the ongoing risks faced by emergency service workers performing their duties in regional communities.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers confronting paramedics and other first responders. While the formal apology mends professional relations, it also underscores the critical need for timely, coordinated emergency responses to ensure the safety of those who protect the community.
