A FEMALE paramedic is recovering today after being allegedly attacked by a woman with a claw hammer while reportedly trying to help a patient.

The 37-year-old paramedic is said to have sustained a cut to her right hand, which she allegedly used to protect herself.

She also sustained injuries to her arm and between the shoulder blades.

The incident is said to have occurred after ambulance staff received an emergency call to go to a property in Roundwood Road in Ipswich at 2.45pm on Monday.

Someone inside the premises was said to have been suffering from chest pains and shortness of breath.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust said a single-staffed ambulance arrived outside the property at around 2.52pm.

However, when the paramedic went to help a violent incident is reported to have taken place within the property.

Lucy Sheehan, a spokeswoman for Suffolk Constabulary, said police received a telephone call from member of the public just after 3.10pm reporting that the paramedic had been attacked with a claw hammer.

The paramedic was reported to have sustained a puncture wound to her hand.

The ambulance service said one of its managers arrived shortly after the alleged attack.

Another ambulance also arrived outside the property at 3.14pm. The paramedic’s colleagues took her to Ipswich Hospital for treatment.

The person who had been feeling unwell when the original ambulance was called was also taken to the Heath Road hospital.

Police took a 54-year-old woman to the police investigation centre at Suffolk Constabulary’s Martlesham headquarters.

Mrs Sheehan said the woman was held over Monday night and throughout yesterday after being arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Richard Dunne, from the ambulance service, said the paramedic received treated for a laceration between two of the fingers on her right hand, before being discharged from hospital.

He added: “We wish the paramedic a speedy recovery. She is being supported by her manager.

“Welfare checks and any additional support she needs will be available.

“An investigation officer will be carrying out our own inquiry.

“We take the health and safety of all our staff very seriously.”

n A woman is set to appear in court today, charged with GBH with intent.

Patricia Gosling, of Roundwood Road, Ipswich will appear at South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

The 54-year-old was remanded in custody yesterday in connection with an alleged incident which happened on November 26 in which a 37-year-old paramedic sustained puncture wounds to her hands.