Medic expected to make full recovery after being stabbed in North Philadelphia

A fire medic is in stable condition at Temple University Hospital and expected to make a full recovery after being stabbed in North Philadelphia.

Speaking outside the hospital Thursday morning, Philadelphia fire and police officials said a fire medic crew of two people first responded to a sick person call at 18th Street and Ridge Avenue around 6:15 a.m.

Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said the medics located the individual, put him in the ambulance and started transporting him to the hospital. One medic was driving and the other remained in the back with the patient. According to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson , it's standard for medic units to have just two crew members.

Vanore and Thompson said shortly after 6:30 a.m. the driver noticed a "commotion" happening in the rearview mirror and pulled over near 22nd and Diamond streets. When the medic opened the back door, the patient jumped out and ran. At that point, the medic noticed their partner was bleeding.

According to Vanore, the injured medic was stabbed at least twice, once in his chest and once in the right hand, and might have also been bit. He was taken to Temple University Hospital and initially listed in critical condition, but is now stable and expected to recover.

The man who stabbed the medic was chased by police on foot and caught near 23rd and Norris streets. Police said the suspect still had the knife on him when he was apprehended.

"In the Philadelphia fire department, we respond to approximately 1,000 runs per day. Every day, 24/7, 365 days we are out there rendering care to everyone who needs it. So every day is always a challenge," Commissioner Thompson said when asked about the dangers medics and first responders face in the field.

"Kudos to the bravery of the men and women who do this everyday," he said.

In a statement shared on social media, Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union President Mike Bresnan shared his "most sincere well wishes" for the injured medic. "Our hearts are with him and his family and wish him a speedy recovery!"

Officials did not provide any additional details about the injured medic, and did not have any information on the patient's condition at the time of the attack.