Veteran Paramedic Expresses Frustration Over Delayed Access During Bondi Stabbing Response
A critical care paramedic who attended the Bondi Junction stabbing incident has spoken of his deep frustration and feelings of helplessness after ambulance crews were ordered to remain outside the Westfield shopping centre.
Warning: This article contains content that may be distressing to some readers.
Christopher Wilkinson, a veteran emergency responder with over 40 years of experience, assessed security guard Faraz Tahir during the April attack in which 40-year-old Joel Cauchi fatally stabbed six people and injured 10 others. Mr Tahir, who was on his first day on the job, died from his injuries.
During the inquest, counsel assisting the coroner, Emma Sullivan, explained that when Mr Wilkinson arrived at the scene, a directive had already been issued for ambulance crews to hold their position amid concerns about a potential second assailant. Authorities subsequently designated the area a “hot zone” — a term used to describe an active threat zone with restricted access.
Wilkinson told the court he was informed of the hot zone by a police officer stationed at the entrance of the centre, who told him no one was allowed inside. While he triaged three victims who had been brought outside, including Mr Tahir, he said critical delays in reaching patients still inside the centre were unacceptable.
“It took far too long to get ambulances to some of the patients inside,” he told the court.
Standing outside, knowing lives could be at risk inside but unable to act, left him feeling powerless.
“With 42 years of experience, I felt inadequate having to remain on the perimeter,” he said. “I was deeply frustrated, knowing people upstairs might be dying while no medical assistance was being provided.”
Calls for Reform
Wilkinson expressed the need for change in emergency response protocols.
“When people call for an ambulance, they expect help to arrive,” he said. “We provide calm and reassurance during chaos.”
He voiced support for a “rescue task force” model, where paramedics are escorted by police into potentially dangerous situations involving active threats.
“This kind of approach is timely and absolutely essential going forward,” he said.
Mr Wilkinson is among several NSW Ambulance representatives expected to testify during the five-week inquest currently underway at the NSW State Coroner’s Court.
The inquiry continues.
