A driver has sparked outrage by trying to close the doors of an ambulance on a call-out so he could pass – before abusing a paramedic.

Paramedics were called to the scene of a medical emergency in Saffin Drive, Monkton Heathfield, where the incident unfolded yesterday.

A woman, who did not want to give her name, said she “could not believe what she had witnessed” after the alleged actions of the driver.

She said the ambulance was called to a neighbour of her’s and its back doors were open so the patient could be quickly placed inside.

“The back doors were open while they got ready to bring the patient out,” she said in a letter to the Somerset County Gazette. “A couple of cars passed fine by driving with two wheels on the pavement.

“And then a moron came along and tried to get past on the road, but couldn't. He obviously did not have the wit to reverse and do the same as the others, but stopped and wound his window down. I thought he must be going to fold his wing mirror in, but no.

“Instead, he leaned out of his window and tried to push shut the ambulance door. Having failed, despite trying twice, he then sounded his horn. The ambulance driver came out and explained they were dealing with an emergency and were about to bring the patient out.

“He hurled some abuse at her and then managed to squeeze past and roared off down the road. She wrote his registration number down and I hope she reports him to the police. Our emergency services shouldn't have to deal with this kind of thing. I feel ashamed to be living in the same road as this idiot.”

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance Service has responded to the incident and has reiterated its “zero tolerance” stance against anybody who abuses its staff – both mentally or physically.

The trust has also urged motorists to park responsibly in densely populated areas so ambulances can pass in the event of an emergency.

The spokesman added: “We takes a zero tolerance approach to any form of physical or verbal abuse towards its staff and all reports of violence and aggression are taken very seriously. 

“We work closely with the police to seek prosecutions where possible. Every member of staff plays a vital role in serving the community by helping to deliver the right care in the right place at the right time, and staff should be able to fulfil their life-saving role without fear of abuse or assault.

“Very often when we attend residential addresses our crews can be hindered by poor parking in the street and we would urge motorists to think before they park and consider if an emergency vehicle could get past.”