Man charged after paramedic stabbed while stopping for coffee

A man has been charged after a paramedic was stabbed in the neck and slashed in the face while getting a coffee in Melbourne's north yesterday morning.

The male paramedic was on the job, waiting for a coffee outside a cafe on Broadway in Reservoir around 11am yesterday when a man got out of a small, red car and attacked him from behind, police allege.

The victim was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening stab wounds to his neck and face.

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"A brave bystander came to the assistance of our member," Ambulance Victoria said in a statement.

"The paramedic then called for help over the radio after noticing he had been stabbed."

The alleged offender fled in the car and was arrested at a home in Winter Crescent just before 1pm.

The 32-year-old man has now been charged with attempted murder.

He was remanded in custody and will face court today.

"These events send a shockwave across the whole workforce," Victorian Ambulance Union Secretary Danny Hill said.

"They all feel it and know it can happen to any of them at any time. Our members are there to help you, please treat them with respect".

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Ambulance Victoria chief executive Jordan Emery said he was "absolutely disgusted at the continued pattern of violence" faced by paramedics and first responders in Victoria.

"What we continue to see year-on-year is an increase in violence toward paramedics and first responders," Emery said.

"It happens all across our state... it is not just a problem of drugs and alcohol, it continues to happen; perpetrated by men, women, younger people, older people and it is unacceptable."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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