A man reportedly having a medical episode was sentenced to serve four months in jail after being found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker who responded to give him aid.

Joseph Frank Bratcher Jr., 48, was issued the sentence by Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley last week. Bratcher must also undergo a mental health evaluation, have an alcohol and drug assessment, and serve 24 hours public service work.

The incident took place last year when Bratcher’s wife called 911 and told the dispatcher, “Get me an ambulance up here. He’s going all over the yard.” His wife said he was having severe seizures in the front yard unlike any seizures he had experienced before.

When the ambulance arrived at their home in the Viola community, medical personnel were told Bratcher had gotten under a pickup truck trailer. He was reportedly face down.

EMS workers tried to swivel the trailer so they could reach Bratcher when he began swinging at them, according to the arrest warrant. When Bratcher was grabbed by the right arm he reportedly continued swinging with his left.

“EMS did have to restrain Mr. Bratcher to a back board to transport him to River Park Hospital,” the warrant says. It indicated an EMS worker was struck in the chest.

Despite being advised during the 911 call Bratcher had not been drinking, EMS workers noticed a strong smell of alcohol on his person. At the emergency room, Bratcher reportedly admitted to drinking three, 25-ounce beers, which amounts to slightly more than a six pack.

Mr. Bratcher refused to enter a plea to the assault charge and was found guilty of assault following a jury trial last month. His conduct during trial resulted in him receiving a longer-than-usual sentence for assault last week.