Stephen's Story

Paramedic Stephen Rogerson was spat at by an unwell man he had been sent to treat.

Stephen, who is based in Wrexham, was called to reports of a man in cardiac arrest on Wrexham High Street.

He and his colleagues attended the scene and provided treatment, taking the patient – Paul Griffiths – to Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

When Griffiths came around in the ambulance, he spat directly in Stephen’s face.

“It was disbelief, I felt dirty,” said Stephen, a paramedic of 10 years.

“But I stayed professional and we got him into the emergency department.

“I didn't let what happened cloud my judgement in how I treated him.

“We have to maintain composure and a level head because we can't let it influence the next patient we're going to.

“It's about how you communicate back, and I kept talking calmly rather than raising my voice.

“What has happened has happened.

“I'd never met him and I don't hold any animosity against him –I hope he gets the help he needs.

“People go through things, and things happen in life – this could have been an abnormal day for him.

“Should I go back to him again, I'd treat him like a normal patient. I'd do my job.”

Stephen has issued a plea to the public not to abuse emergency workers.

“Use us - don't abuse us,” he said.

“We're here to help and no emergency service – whether fire, police, ambulance, volunteer –should be abused in any shape or form.”

Magistrates handed down a 10-week custodial sentence to Paul Griffiths, 49, of Coedpoeth, Wrexham, and ordered him to pay £100 compensation.

Jason Killens, Chief Executive at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Our people come to work because they care for others.

“They put themselves on the frontline every day, often in difficult and emotionally testing circumstances and we appreciate that when someone is ill or injured, it can be a stressful situation that can, on occasion, influence behaviour.

“But violence is never acceptable, and we will always seek prosecution for those that choose to harm our staff and volunteers.

“After paramedic, Stephen Rogerson helped save the life of Paul Griffiths, he was assaulted.

“No-one should have to put up with that, least of all those who are there to protect us.

“We continue to ask the public to work with us, not against us and treat our emergency workers with respect.”

You can support the campaign on social media by using the hashtag #WithUsNotAgainstUs