A SENIOR paramedic has revealed an alarming trend which, he says, is increasing in the Port Macquarie region.
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Duty operations manager for NSW Ambulance in Port Macquarie Steve Towle spoke the Port News after a paramedic was assaulted in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He said he has noticed an increase in the behaviour in recent years.
"I wouldn't say it's a regular occurrence yet but it has been happening, and it has been on the rise," he said.
"There seems to be a few more each year. In most cases it is drug and alcohol-related."
Sunday's incident happened at about 1.45am when paramedics were called to situation near Port Macquarie's CBD.
It was the culmination of what Mr Towle said was a very busy night for emergency services.
The paramedic involved received minor injuries, did need medical treatment, but was not taken to hospital.
The assailant was taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital and subsequently charged.
"We want to get the message out there that this is just not acceptable," Mr Towle said.
Police admitted they also endured a busy night.
"It was very busy for police and emergency services especially in the CBD area of Port Macquarie," Mid North Coast Crime Manager Inspector Kim Fehon said.
"There were other assaults outsides nightclub's that involved a number of females as well. We have a zero tolerance of this behaviour - but especially against emergency services workers. These guys are out there to help people and this happens to them."
While Mr Towle admitted there was no proof, he suspects a batch of bad drugs had hit the streets of Port Macquarie in recent weeks.
"We've had a number of call outs recently that would suggest it," he said. "It's fair enough at the moment to suspect that's a problem at this stage."
A 17-year-old female was arrested and charged with breach of bail, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, obstruct or hinder an ambulance officer and malicious damage.
She was refused bail to reappear in Port Macquarie Local Court today.