EXCLUSIVE

An ambulance worker has been sacked after being found guilty of assaulting a woman police officer.

Technician Tracey Taylor is trained to respond to emergencies and help save lives.

But last April, the 39-year-old found herself on the other side of a 999 call - leaving a female PC in need of medical treatment.

Police were called to Taylor's home in Frindsbury Road, Strood, after reports of a disturbance soon before midnight.

Taylor was arrested at the scene for breaching the peace. But while being taken into custody, she assaulted one of the officers, injuring her hand.

Taylor was later charged with assaulting a police officer. She denied the charge at Medway Magistrates' Court, but was found guilty at trial and given a 12-month conditional discharge as well as being ordered to pay £125 compensation.

South East Coast Ambulance Service launched an internal investigation when the charges first came to light and Taylor was then sacked.

But since her dismissal, Taylor has appealed the decision and an investigation is now under way.

A South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) spokesman said: "This employee no longer works for SECAmb.

"The trust took immediate action when this case came to our attention. The employee involved is currently appealing the decision and therefore the trust is unable to comment further at this stage."

A Medway Police spokesman said: "On April 7, 2010, police were called to an address on Frindsbury Road, Frindsbury following reports of a disturbance.

"A woman was arrested for breach of the peace and during the arrest she assaulted a police officer, causing bruising and swelling to the female officer's right hand."

Taylor declined to comment when approached by the Messenger.

Ambulance technicians are members of the accident and emergency crew, who answer 999 calls.

Working alongside a paramedic, they give patients potentially life-saving care at the scene.