Gay bar attack victim says paramedics were homophobic

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • February 15, 2006 - 0:00

Mr Perry told the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that New Bedford paramedics took too long taking him to a hospital, were abusive, and shared private medical information with his family without his permission

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A man who was attacked in a gay bar has complained after he felt paramedics gave him below standard treatment because of his sexuality.

Robert R. Perry,52, was struck in the head with a hatchet and shot in the back by 18-year-old Jacob D. Robida, who later killed himself during a police chase. Two other men also were injured in the attack in February at Puzzles Lounge.

The complainant is a clinical services director at an ambulance service in Boston. In another complaint letter to New Bedford's mayor he said he could not recall any action by an ambulance crew "so cruel and hate-filled" in his 29 years in medicine.

Mayor Scott Lang told the Associated Press the city would take the claims "very seriously."

Steve Arruda, acting deputy director of New Bedford's emergency medical services, declined to comment because the complaint is still being investigated.

Jacob D. Robida was wanted on suspicion of attacking several members of the New Bedford gay bar, Puzzles, he turned a gun on himself after shooting and killing a lone police officer during a routine traffic stop.

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