2 Boston EMTs assaulted in separate incidents while responding to calls

Two EMTs were allegedly assaulted in two separate incidents on Wednesday, officials said, prompting the union for Boston EMS to speak out about the “unacceptable violence” faced by emergency service workers. 

The two alleged attacks occurred only hours apart while the EMTs were working. The EMTs sustained injuries to the head, face, neck, and upper extremities, the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association EMS division said in a statement on Facebook. 

“When you assault an EMT, you’re not just attacking a health care worker,” Jason Yutkins, the union’s president, said. “You’re taking an ambulance and its crew away from the next person who desperately needs them.” 

Both EMTs were treated at local hospitals and have since been discharged, according to the union. 

One of the incidents occurred around 3:30 p.m. at Gate B18 in Boston Logan International Airport. Responding officers found two passengers separated, with one requiring medical evaluation, State Police said in a statement. 

When EMS arrived, one person became “combative” toward an EMT and troopers. The person was restrained and taken to a hospital, while the EMT sustained “minor injuries,” State Police said. 

A 28-year-old Boston woman will receive a criminal summons charging her with assault and battery on ambulance personnel as well as assault on ambulance personnel, per State Police. 

The second incident took place at the Andrew MBTA station in South Boston around 8:30 p.m., according to the union.

MBTA Transit Police are investigating the assault. Boston.com reached out to the agency for comment, but did not receive an immediate response.

“Our members will continue to answer the call for the people of Boston, but they have an absolute right to expect that they will return home safely at the end of their shift,” Yutkins said. “Assaulting an EMT or health care provider is not an occupational hazard we are willing to accept.”