A 58-year-old Northampton County man was charged with aggravated assault after Pennsylvania State Police said two emergency medical technicians were injured during an incident inside an ambulance in Tilden Township.
According to state police, James Zuppert, of Nazareth, was being transported by Hamburg EMS from Upper Bern Township to Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital in Schuylkill County for chest pain and shortness of breath when he became uncooperative and combative with the EMTs.
The incident occurred around 12:33 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, on Mountain Road in Tilden Township.
Police said a 24-year-old female EMT attempted to physically restrain Zuppert in the back of the ambulance when he allegedly pushed her and twisted her arm, causing a sprained wrist.
The ambulance driver, a 69-year-old male EMT, stopped the vehicle and went to assist. According to police, he attempted to sedate and restrain Zuppert but was unsuccessful.
Police allege Zuppert then pushed the second EMT out of the ambulance, causing him to strain his back. As the EMT fell from the ambulance, he was also grazed by an exposed needle that had been intended to administer the sedative, according to the report.
State police said troopers arrived at the scene and took Zuppert into custody. He was charged with aggravated assault and committed to Berks County Prison.
Both EMTs were treated at St. Luke’s Hospital and released.
The incident is being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Hamburg Crime Unit.