North Dunedin partygoers throwing bottles at an ambulance has prompted St John to insist the public respect its officers leading in to O Week.
St John was called to a party in Hyde St, between Frederick and Albany Sts, about 11.30pm on Saturday.
St John Otago-Southland district operations manager Pauline Buchanan said an ambulance had to ``retreat to a safe distance'' after party-goers threw bottles at the vehicle.
Another ambulance returned shortly after with police and took a 21-year-old male patient to Dunedin Hospital in a serious condition.
The cause was classified as a ``fall injury''.
With Orientation Week approaching, it served as a timely reminder for the public to look after each other when drinking alcohol, and ``be kind'' to St John staff, she said.
``Our ambulance officers are there to help and cannot look after you if they are having to look after themselves in threatening or abusive situations.''
It could not be confirmed whether the party attendees were students.
A police spokesman said officers were called in response to a ``a breach of the peace''.
``A unit attended and did not observe any fighting.''
When police arrived partygoers dispersed, he said.
No arrests were made.
The Otago Daily Times contacted the University of Otago yesterday afternoon for comment, but was told a response could not be provided until today.
