The Health Services Union says the assault of two NSW paramedics in the Hunter Valley reinforces the need to work in pairs.
The paramedics were called to a Belmont home just before 2am to help a pregnant woman who was in labour.
Police said the woman's partner, a 22-year-old man, became aggressive towards the pair when he was told he wasn't able to accompany her in the ambulance.
He allegedly assaulted one of the paramedics, threatened both and kicked the ambulance as it drove away.
He was arrested by police fifteen minutes later after a short struggle, and was allegedly in possession of a knife and a tomahawk.
HSU NSW secretary Gerrard Hayes was relieved the incident wasn't more serious.
"Thank goodness there were two paramedics at the scene rather than just one - as is often the case," he said in a statement.
"This incident reinforces the need for paramedics to work in pairs and the need for more paramedics to be employed."
The man was charged with obstructing an ambulance officer, maliciously damaging an ambulance, assaulting police, resisting arrest and carrying a knife in public.
He will appear in Newcastle Local Court on Sunday.
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