AN AMBULANCE worker is in hospital with a serious head injury after being viciously attacked by a patient he was trying to treat.

The technician had been responding to an emergency call on his own in Southampton when he was assaulted and knocked unconscious.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has now launched a probe into the attack and police have arrested a 26-year-old man from the city on suspicion of assault.

The technician was called into action on Sunday evening, following an emergency call to the junction of Milton Road and Holt Road, near Bedford Place.

He arrived on his own in a rapid response car but as he was trying to assess the patient, between 10pm and 10.30pm on Sunday night, he was knocked out.

His attacker then fled the scene.

The ambulance worker was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was still being treated last night for serious head injuries.

An investigation into the incident is treating the initial call as a “genuine medical emergency” rather than a hoax.

SCAS would not reveal further details about the ambulance technician who was employed by private firm UKSAS.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “The technician was taken to hospital for further treatment for serious head injuries.

“We would like to wish the member of staff a quick recovery.

“We take any assault, whether physical or verbal, towards staff very seriously.

“Any incidents of assault towards all staff are completely unacceptable and as such we are assisting Hampshire Police with their enquiries into this investigation.

“All reported incidents are investigated and where possible SCAS works with external agencies to pursue any action or sanctions.

“SCAS is also working nationally with other ambulance and emergency services to improve the health and safety arrangements in place to protect staff.”

A police spokesman confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident, while the victim remains in hospital.

Officers are appealing for anyone with any information about the assault to contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.