** LA paramedic stabbed by patient; in stable condition in hospital
** Illinois patient charged after spitting blood and saliva on paramedics
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A Los Angeles, California paramedic/firefighter remains in stable condition in hospital after being stabbed
in the arm by a patient Tuesday. The Pasadena Star News (September 1) said the 9:35 p.m. incident played out
after EMS attended the Greyhound Bus Station to treat a passenger with both medical and emotional issues.
According to the newspaper, the subject was transported to a Boyle Heights hospital where he suddenly
brandished a knife, thrusting it into the 38-year-old medic. Two ER staff members also sustained injuries during the
following fracas aimed at disarming him. The man has not yet revealed a motive for the attack. A police
spokesman, however, said he will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a firefighter. The suspect has
been named as Christopher Clay, 46. (LA Daily News/September 1)
** An Illinois man is expected back in court September 24th after being arrested August 29th when he spit
blood and saliva on attending EMS personnel. The Patch (Lorraine Swanson/September 2) said David Horn,
38, let loose with his fluids after medics were called following his arrest at an area K-Mart. In custody for
alleged retail theft, Horn quickly became argumentative with providers, strenuously resisting getting into
the ambulance. He has been charged with aggravated battery to an EMT x 2, aggravated battery to a peace
officer, and criminal damage to a state supported property.