A drunk man assaulted ambulance staff and a police officer as they tried to help him.
Kenneth Gardner lashed out with his feet and hands, and also tried to spit on two paramedics.
Gardner, 52, of Miller Place, Harthill, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted three assaults on West Main Street, Harthill, on December 16, 2020.
Chloe O'Hara, prosecuting, said ambulance workers spotted Gardner staggering at a bus stop. He was being held up by another person.
She told the court: "The paramedics helped him into the back of their ambulance, but he became violent.
"He lashed out with his arms and legs, striking [the male paramedic] several times on the body and attempting to strike his [female] colleague Clare.
"Thereafter he spat at both of them but missed."
Police assistance was requested, but when an attending officer tried to take hold of him, Gardner grabbed his finger and bent it back, causing bruising.
The fiscal added: "Police officers took control of him and he was taken to hospital for assessment. A family member took him home later."
Defence agent Mark Connolly said Gardner had been so drunk he has "no recollection whatsoever" of the incident.
He wished to apologise for his behaviour and Mr Connolly added: "He suffers from depression and anxiety, and takes solace in the bottle. He has struggled with alcohol abuse for years."
Sheriff Thomas Millar told Gardner he was lucky not to be going straight to jail.
The sheriff said: "Spitting on members of the emergency services at this time will be treated very seriously.
"Had your record not been of some age, I would have sent you straight to prison.
"However, I am prepared to get a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty assessment, and your bail will be continued."
Gardner must return to court for sentence next month.
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