VicPD escort needed for first responders on Pandora Ave. [Video]

A recent attack on a Victoria paramedic and the subsequent threats against cops who were called in to help mark the latest incidents of violence against local first responders, the city’s police chief said in announcing emergency personnel would no longer respond to calls from a specific neighbourhood without police backup.

Chief Del Manak announced the change in a statement issued on Friday, saying the attack in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue the day before was only “one piece of the trend” of increasing aggression toward first responders.

Victoria police said members of BC Emergency Health Services had been “flagged down” in the area on Thursday evening about a man needing medical attention, and he allegedly hit and kicked a paramedic who was caring for him.

The department said about 60 people then surrounded emergency responders when police arrived, noting the group “became increasingly hostile” and officers had to call …