Paramedic convictions risk 'massive repercussions' for Jersey emergency care

Saturday, 29 June 2024 07:57

Colleagues and supporters of two Jersey paramedics found guilty of failing to provide reasonable care to a patient who died have staged a protest against their conviction.

Dozens of Ambulance Service staff and Community First Responders gathered at the Ambulance Station at Rouge Bouillon in a show of solidarity following this week's court verdict.

John Sutherland and Tom Le Sauteur were found to have unreasonably delayed treatment of 39-year-old Frazer Irvine who suffered a cardiac arrest after a drug overdose.

The court heard the crew had called police for back-up because the patient was being aggressive and refusing their help.

Dr Kirstie Ross, who works in the hospital's Emergency Department, was among the protesters who turned out. She believes the paramedics were only "keeping themselves safe" and doing as they were trained to do.

Addressing the crowd, she said: "Any medic knows that the first thing we are taught is 'is it safe for us to approach?' and it wasn't. We need to make sure it is because we're no use to anyone if we get hurt ourselves."

Earlier this week, the Ambulance Service's Chief Officer apologised to Mr Irvine's family. Many protesters shared that sympathy, with one telling Channel 103 the incident had been "devastating" for everyone affected.

Volunteer responders say they're considering their future with the service in light of the prosecution, which they add will have "massive repercussions" for the people of Jersey.