Stolen equipment returned to hospital
02/03/2009
THIEVES who stole life-saving equipment from an ambulance at the scene of an emergency have been shamed into returning it.
Last weekend, a gang of youths threatened paramedics before stealing drugs, needles and a defibrillator, used to re-start hearts.
After the Scunthorpe Telegraph's report the expensive equipment has been returned to the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) in good condition.
The theft happened as paramedics were dealing with an emergency call on Oxmarsh Lane, New Holland, at about midnight on Saturday February 14.
The stolen drugs bag containing syringes and medication was thrown away by the thieves and recovered by police, but the defibrillator remained missing, prompting fears it could kill someone if misused.
EMAS operational support manager John Judd said: "We were very concerned that people would come to harm or even die if the equipment was used by someone untrained.
"We understand people in the community put out word that the defibrillator should be returned to the ambulance service immediately and fortunately those responsible listened.
"Thank you to the people in New Holland who took the brave action to tackle the people who committed this crime and get our equipment returned in good working order."
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