Oamaru police were called to help St John ambulance volunteers after an ambulance patient became abusive when she thought her husband was flirting with female ambulance officers.
Early on Sunday, a 47-year-old woman was being transported by ambulance from Kurow to Oamaru Hospital, after sustaining injuries from a ''drunken fall'' down stairs, Acting Sergeant Anton Perham said.
''On their way to Oamaru, the husband was in the ambulance with her and she got angry, thinking that he was flirting with the female ambulance officers,'' Acting Sgt Perham said.
''She got very upset at ambulance officers and the ambulance stopped near Duntroon and called for police assistance.''
When police arrived after 2am, the woman had calmed down and the situation had been resolved and the ambulance was able to continue to Oamaru Hospital.
It was a case of ''a bit too much alcohol'', Acting Sgt Perham said.
