TWO paramedics convicted of failing to provide reasonable care to a patient who later died have resigned from the Ambulance Service.
Tom Le Sauteur and John Sutherland made the decision after losing an appeal against their convictions and the conditional discharge handed down last summer following the death of 39-year-old Frazer Irvine in March 2022.
Mr Sutherland was a former acting chief ambulance officer who served for 37 years, while Mr Le Sauteur joined the service after leaving the Armed Forces to continue his family’s long-standing connection with the Ambulance Service.
A statement provided by Home Affairs said: “The Government of Jersey, the Ambulance Service staff and Unite the Union wish John and Tom all the very best in their future endeavours, recognising and supporting their decision not to return to the service.”
The statement added: “The Ambulance Service senior leadership team and Unite the Union will continue to work closely and proactively together to address any concerns raised by colleagues and the Unite membership.”
In his own statement, Mr Le Sauteur thanked the public for their support throughout what he described as a “challenging” time.
Ambulance and emergency services workers rallied around the pair and protests were held in the Royal Square during their trial and appeal.
A crowdfunding campaign was also launched to help the paramedics pay their legal fees, raising almost £50,000.
Mr Le Sauteur said: “I wanted to take the opportunity to thank the people of Jersey for all the support they have shown us this past year. The positive influence of this cannot be overstated.
“Before the trial, I had many fears but essentially they came down to three things. Fear of letting down my teammates, fear of letting down my community and fear that either of these would not be able to see the true motivations of why we were being prosecuted.
“[But] I want people to know that [the trial] has given me a totally new appreciation of human nature and that this is overwhelmingly positive.
“When I needed the kindness and understanding of strangers it was given in spades. This small community demonstrated that compassion and common sense are not scarce.
“It is in staggering abundance in nearly all people. People have been amazingly kind.
“The practical help has facilitated us to still have a voice and the general support has allowed us to continue with our lives in the knowledge that we are welcomed and appreciated in this place that we and our families call home.
“I would also like to mention that our fellow operational staff have been incredible and stood shoulder to shoulder with us throughout.”
