The paramedics were called to attend an incident in Katherine on Saturday evening when one of the patients became aggressive and subsequently attacked the ambulance causing serious damage and a smashed window.

Katherine Area Manager Mick Thwaites said the actions of the person involved were disappointing and frustrating.

"Senseless acts of violence against our staff and property may prevent our staff from doing their job and providing vital care.

"Our crews come to work to care for people in the community, they have a right to do this without fear of being attacked. The damage to our vehicle means that resource has now been taken off road for repairs."

While the paramedics involved in the incident were not injured, situations such as these may take paramedics away from a patient and reduce the resources available to the wider community.

In July 2020, another St John NT ambulance was taken off the road for repairs following a similar incident when a rock was thrown at the vehicle shattering the windscreen.

And there was a similar incident in 2019 in Katherine where a window was again smashed.

"Again, we are forced to appeal to the community to give our paramedics space to do their job and to not attack our vehicles," Mr Thwaites said.

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