A PARAMEDIC slashed by a violent drunk as he answered a 999 call has branded her a menace to society.

Patient Kerry Edeson attacked Tony Keegan with a razor blade as he tried to help her into an ambulance in Washington, Wearside.

Yesterday, a court was told that Edeson, 25, has repeatedly threatened ambulance staff after making call-outs - up to three times a night - following drinking binges at her home.

After the hearing, Mr Keegan said: "Let's make no bones about it, somebody in the ambulance service is going to get killed."

Mr Keegan was answering an emergency call to Waterloo Walk, Sulgrave, Washington, when the attack happened.

He said: "She has threatened ambulance personnel before and it is putting the population of Washington at risk.

"We only have one ambulance for 75,000 people, and it is a major concern for personnel that we are dealing with people who don't need an ambulance.

"No matter how many times you phone, an ambulance will go."

Edeson, of Roche Court, Glebe, admitted assault and being drunk and disorderly when she appeared at Houghton Magistrates'court.

Chris Kyle, defending, said she had cut the paramedic "accidentally" as she tried to harm herself.

The case was adjourned for reports and Edeson was given bail by magistrates on condition that she does not enter any licensed premises.