Cairns detectives are investigating after a Queensland Ambulance Officer (QAS) was allegedly assaulted when responding to an incident at a backpacker hostel in Cairns early this morning, Queensland Police say.
It is understood an ambulance was called in relation to a man feeling unwell at the Minnie Street hostel at around 3.40am.
The ambulance crew requested police assistance around 4am with the two paramedics retreating to the ambulance to await the arrival of police.
The man rushed at the vehicle and allegedly physically assaulted a female paramedic, punching her in the head and dragging her out of the passenger side of the ambulance.
The man was restrained by the male paramedic and members of the public until the arrival of police where he was arrested and taken into custody.
The 42-year-old QAS officer sustained facial injuries.
The man- a 21-year-old French tourist- was transported to the Cairns Base Hospital for treatment for medical issues. He remained in the hospital under police guard before being discharged mid-morning and transported to the Cairns police watchhouse.
No one else was injured and police investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
