The paramedic who was spat on by a suspect during a police chase and crash on the QEW in St. Catharines is doing OK.
Bryce Brunarski with Niagara EMS tells CKTB they have been in contact with the paramedic who responded to the Thursday morning crash, and he/she is taking time to rest at home and recuperate.
Brunarski says the incident highlights that any type of assault against paramedics is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
He calls the incident 'appalling.'
The paramedic in question was responding to a crash on the QEW following a police chase, and while trying to help the injured suspect, he was spat on.
An NRP officer was also kicked.
45 year old James Gordon Messer of no fixed address is facing various charges including uttering threats, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, impaired operation, and assaulting a peace officer in the case.
Brunarski says Niagara EMS responded to 63,000 calls in 2019, and out of those calls 37 paramedics reported an 'incident.'
He says 11 needed support, medical, or mental health, following the incident.